it;;-, 



i^ 



^ibtaty of i>onpt^&. 



^^/,y>,ya ^jfl V.g4^. 

UNIIKD STATES OF AMERICA. 







A slin'riii,:. w rciiclun^. i-iiiumiiu cr.isli. 
And d<)\Mn\anl, (lo\Mn\,iHl. lici.lloim d.isli 
Dct'l. Ill the sectlmii; ^lllt \n-U,\\. 
Willi shrieks and naltis— Mi.' iiii|)i<Mis Co.- ! 



e I a 1) : 



^n (^pt 0( tk #Wm ^mmh ®m 



BY 



ELIZABETH T. PORTER BEACH, 



x< 



NEW YORK: 
D. APTLETON AND COMPANY, 

448 & 445 BROADWAY. 

LONDON : 16 LITTLE BRITAIN. 

1864. 



/ 



<suc, /;?/K^ 



f-6\ 



0^ ^ 






Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by 

ELIZABETH T. PORTER BEACH, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the 
Southern District of New York. 



Z^ V 



// 



TO THE BELOVED 

WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY, 

TO THE BELOVED 

STILL REMAININft, 

THIS POEM 

IS MOST LOVINGLY 



^mtnhtb. 



A 



IIsrTEODUCTION. 



The early history of Spain is so involved in doubt, 
contradiction, and romance, that little is known of its 
truthful detail ; while all considered worthy of gleaning 
has been so ably handled by writers of acknowledged 
superiority, as to render it unnecessaiy, or even presump- 
tuous to bring the subject again before the public, farther 
than by a brief synopsis of the most important historical 
events preceding the opening of this epic. 

Spain is supposed to have been originally inhabited 
by the descendants of " Tubal," who were subsequently 
called " Iberians," the land bearing the name Iberia, prob- 
ably in honor of some person of distinction. From the 
earliest ages the country suffered from the invasions of the 
Celts, Greeks, Phoenicians, and Carthaginians; and, at 
length, falling into the power of Rome, became, for a short 
time, a subjugated province. It was during the fifth cen- 
tury that the Goths, then the allies of Rome, after a strug- 
gle of three years, succeeded in recovering Iberia, when a 
new nation arose from the union of the Goths and Iberians, 



6 INTRODUCTION. 

producing a brave, restless, noble-spirited people, whose 
power remained unshaken under twenty-five successive 
kings of pure Gothic blood. The Goths, who were adher- 
ents to the " Arian doctrine," after their invasion embraced 
the faith of the Spaniards, which was the Catholic, in its 
purest form ; the bishop and clergy being most exemplary 
in their lives, and aiding in every way to promote the 
influence of the laws and the welfare of the country. Thus 
all prospered ; when, in the year of the Redemption 701, 
Witiza was elected to the Gothic throne. He was of a 
cruel nature ; and, through anxiety for the security of his 
crown, becoming jealous of two sons of a preceding king, 
Favila (Duke of Cantabria), and Theodofredo, he caused 
the death of the former, and, imprisoning the latter, put 
out his eyes. Pelayo, son of Favila, being absent, and 
Roderick and Theodofredo fleeing, happily escaped being 
murdered. Witiza, soon by his tyranny and licentious- 
ness, obtained the appellation of " Witiza the Wicked." 

At length the Pontiff Constantine threatened to depose 
and excommunicate the king; but Witiza set him at 
defiance, and appointed his own brother, Orpas, or Oppas, 
then Archbishop of Seville, to take a seat with Sindaredo, 
in the episcopal chair of Toledo, making him Primate of 
Spain. Orpas was a bad man, upholding the king in all 
his wickedness. While Spain was sinking in vice and 
licentiousness, Roderick, son of Theodofredo, was gather- 
ing about him a host of noble warriors and soldiers, ready 
to avenge the wrongs of his father and kindred. 

With his bold and gallant band advancing unexpected- 
ly upon an enervated and unprepared land, he easily put 
all to rout, when the whole kingdom submitted to Don 
Roderick ; who, to avenge the cruelty shown his father, 



INTRODUCTION. 7 

put out the eyes of Witiza, imprisoning him in a castle, 
where he died, a prey to suffering and remorse. His two 
sons Ebba, or Evan, and Siseburto, were banished from the 
country. Orpas, a man of consummate art, succeeded in 
obtaining the confidence of the king, and retaining his 
sacred office at Sevilld'; but the see of Toledo was given 
to the venerable Urbino. With the brilliant reign of Don 
Roderick, most persons are familiar. Among the first of 
his noblemen was Count Julian, Lord of Consuegra and 
Algeziras ; his wife, the Countess Frandina, being sister 
of Witiza and Bishop Orpas. Enjoying the highest dig- 
nities, being one of the " espatorias " or " royal sword- 
bearers," he was also appointed commander of the Spanish 
possessions on the African coast of the strait, then threat- 
ened by the Arabian followers of Mahomet, establishing 
the seat of government at Ceuta, the frontier bulwark on 
the Mediterranean, where he bravely held in check the 
Moslem foe. Before his departure he had confided his 
beautiful daughter, Florinda, to the care of the king and 
his queen Exilona, among whose " maids of honor " she 
was enrolled. The betrayal of this trust by Don Roderick 
aroused the most agonized, bitter feelings of an outraged 
father, who, casting all thought of honor, loyalty, and 
love of country upon one funeral pyre of scathing, consum- 
ing revenge for the wrongs received from his sovereign, 
formed one of the blackest schemes of treason known to 
history, in which he was aided by his brother-in-law 
Orpas. Calling together his friends and adherents, he 
revealed his injuries, and unfolded his plans to dethrone 
Don Hoderick, falsely pretending, at the same time, it was 
his intention to raise one of the sons of Witiza to the 
throne ; proposing they should seek the aid of Muza ben 



O INTEODTCTION. 

Nosier, tlie Arabian emir or general, in Mauritania, for 
that purpose ; while it was his secret determination to le- 
tray Ms country without reservation to the Moslem^ thus prov- 
ing himself doiibly traitor. 

The Caliph, with joyful amazement, gladly acceded to 
the call, when Don Koderick, in the happy security of 
his power, and Spain in the height of her glory and peace- 
ful bliss, were surprised and inundated by legions of tur- 
baned troops ! Don Roderick, falling at the battle of 
Xeres, a panic ensued, and " Taric el Tuerto," the Arabian 
general, took possession of the camp. The escaping Chris- 
tians fled to Auseva, one of the Asturian mountains, where, 
at the opening of the poem, they are dwelling in caves, 
awaiting a propitious moment for the recovery of their 
rights, and the expulsion of the Moors. Don Pelayo, next 
in line to the throne, having been taken prisoner, was, on 
account of his known honor and nobleness of character, 
allowed the freedom of the city of Seville, upon his 
" parole d'honneur." Previous to which, the story sup- 
poses him to have been betrothed to Zillah, daughter of 
Count Eudon, a powerful lord, who, to save Ms life and 
vast possessions, became an apostate and renegade, favor- 
ing the suit of Abdelaisis, governor of the country, and 
son of Muza, for the hand of his already plighted daughter. 

For the substance of the two legends, here woven into 
rhyme, the author is indebted to the kindness of the 
lamented Washington Irving, who most courteously prof- 
fered her the free use of any of his writings that might 
subserve her purpose. 

The poem opens during the sufferings of the Christians, 
while the Moors are in the height of joyful power. 



Noble and brave Spanish knights. 



CHARACTERS. 

Don Roderick, last king of the Visi-Goths, eon of Theodofredo. 

Don Pelato, the founder of the Spanish monarchy, son of Favila. 

Ebba, son of Witiza. 

Urban, Archbishop of Toledo. 

Centerio, a venerable Archbishop. 

Orpas, Archbishop of Seville, brother to Witiza and Frandina, a traitor. 

Count Pedro, ^ 

Pelistes, 

Theodmir, 

Ataulpho, 

ROMIRO, 

Alphonse, son of Count Pedro. 

Gomez, son of a nobleman, and page to Pelayo. 

Count Julian, a bravo Spanish nobleman, turned traitor and apostate, 

from revenge. 
Count Eudon, a Spanish nobleman, father of Zillah, an apostate and 

renegade. 

Tendero, a Spanish renegade, 

MuzA ben Nozier, the Arabian Emir. 

Abdelaisis, son of the Emir, and Governor of Spain. 

Taric el Tuerto,* the "one-eyed" Arabian General. 

Suleiman, ) 

y Moorish Generals. 
Alcahmen, ) 

Taric ben Zetad, ) 

-. f Moorish Chiefs. 

Magued, ) 

ZiLLAH,t daughter of Count Eudon, and betrothed to Pelayo. 

lNEZ,t lady in -waiting to Zillah. 

Lady Constance, t wife of Count Pedro. 

* El Tuerto, meaning " one-eyed." 

t Thes« are fancy names. The historical iiariie of tLe wife of Pelayo was GautUou. 



PEOEM. 



PROEM. 

Weave we now an epic rhyme 
Of the olden Moorish time, 
When, in Seville's citron bowers, 
On perfumed breezes sped the hours, 
And love, and song, and roundelay, 
And merry dance chased out the day ; 
When Moorish blood all proudly coursed. 
While Spain's bold hearts grew faint with woe, 
'Neath foreign yoke to bend now forced. 
Of base invading Moslem foe ! 

When Julian, the " Traitor Count," 
Had called his minions to the mount 
" La Sierra de Calderin^'^ 
(The Mount of Treason dark, and sin), 
Where, on its rocky summit high. 
With heart as hard, and evil eye 



14 P K O E M . 

(As Lucifer, the son of night 

Erst tempted Him of glory bright), 

Urged he, in wily, serpent way, 

Spain, once so dear, they should betray ! 

Vengeful, Don Rod'rick to dethrone, — 

King Wit'za's son alone to own 

In regal honor o'er their race ; — 

And still, with treach'rous cunning base. 

Plead " to assist their numbers weak, 

Muza ben Nozier's aid they seek," — 

The Arab chief, who joyfully 

His troops would lend to treachery. 

While Orpas, bishop, — priest of night. 
As prince of darkness " clothed in light,"- 
His sacred vesture's purity 
Cov'ring deceit and infamy. 
Unholy sanction vile did yield, 
Trait'rous to prove on battle field ! 
E'en would himself, near Rod'rick e'er. 
Lead to the net they should prepare. 
And when in hottest combat siege. 
Perfidious, betray his liege ! 
With army's wing would basely pass 
His forces to the impious mass ! 



P K O E M . 15 

While Julian, twice traitor ! planned 
Full to betray his native land 
To turban'd Moslem horde alone ! 
Hurling Don Rod'rick from the throne 
For selfish end ; — ^nor cared or thought, 
So that he vengeance fully wrought : 
For private ill from royal king 
To ruin would his country bring ! 

Amazed ! from Tangier's sea-girt shore, 
The Caliph Waled Almanzor 
Received the traitor's missive bold 
That thus his country basely sold ! 
O'erjoyed, exclaiming, " God is great ! 
Mahomet, Prophet, wields our fate ! " 
And " Taric el Tuerto " * chose 
To lead against the Christian foes ; 
Who, soon, a hardy Arab troop. 
Twelve thousand strong, prepared to swoop. 
As birds of prey, o'er stormy Strait 
Of Hercules, and frightful wake 
Tarifa's shore and Calpe's rock 
With " Teohir " \ war-cry's wild'ring shock. 

* Taric, called by the Arabs "El Tuerto" (the one-eyed), be hav- 
ing but one eye. 

t " Alia Akbar " (God is most mighty), tlie Techir war-cry of the 

Arabs. 



16 P It O E M . 

Dark was the night — wild was the way 
Where Taric led to battle fray ; 
Whose " Pass," Theodmir guarded well, 
Until his Christian warriors fell ; 
Where bravely made he boldest stand 
All resolute, with Spanish band, 
That " Pass " to guard with numbers small, 
Save Cross and land, or nobly fall. 
But Arab numbers master great. 
Forced to retreat Theodmir's fate ; 
While " Taric el Tuerto'' bold. 
His standard raised on Calpe's Hold ; 
And " Gibel Taric " * gave it name, 
In mem'ry of first victory's fame. 

Joined then Theodmir, Ataulpho, 
The prince, to meet th' invading foe. 
When Calpe's summits, dim and gray. 
Were bright'ning in the dawn's first ray ; 
Who thus his men inspiring cheered, 
As " Gibel Taric' s Hold " they neared : 
" Never should we sheathe good sword 
While the dark, invading horde. 
Infidels accursed ! may stand 
To defile our Christian land ! 
* Now Gibraltar. 



PROEM. 17 

Now assail we, firm and bold, 
Birds of prey in rugged " Hold." 
Rout the vulture, dark-souled flock, 
From, our own loved mountain rock ! 
Long the day, our lances keen — 
Let not setting sun of e'en 
Shine upon one living foe. 
Lying not our captive low." 

Answered they with shouts his word, 
As advancing now they heard 
Clash of cymbal, trumpet bray. 
From their mountain rock-bound way ; 
Glitt'ring bright with helm and spear, 
Moslem banners floating near ! 

On a rock, in bold relief. 
Stands the gaunt " Tuero " chief. 
Brandishing two-pointed spear, 
As his leaders, marching near. 
He exhorts the prince to slay. 
Thus insuring vict'ry's day ; 
Crying, " Chiefs all slain^ Iwist^ 
Followers will fade as mist ! " 

'Mid the Gothic nobles there. 
Prince Ataulpho shone most fair ; 



18 P E O E M . 

Youthful grace, and majesty, 
Crowning dauntless bravery : 
Borne on a charger fiercely bold. 
Caparisoned in ample fold 
Of crimson velvet, 'broidered seen 
In brilliant threads of golden sheen. 
Wrought in gold liis surcoat too. 
Velvet, crimson, still in hue. 
Wavmg plumes of snowy white 
O'er his burnished helmet bright ; 
While ten mounted pages bear 
Weapons keen for battle faje. 

Bravely charge the Christian band, 
Now, the spoilers of their land ! 
Filled, each Spanish heart, with fire 
Of his olden Gothic sire ! 

Planned the wily Taric well ! 
Christian leaders sadly fell, 
One by one, — while Ataulpho, 
Struggling, sees impending woe ! 
Through the thickest of the fight, 
Calling for each bold, good knight ; 
But, alas ! few answer gave, 
'Mid the dead and dying brave ! 



PKOEM. 19 

With his " handful warrior band " 
Vam he seeks to save their land. 
Foremost in the Moslem van 
Meeteth Julian's partisan, 
Tendero, who leadeth on 
Recreant Christians ! honor gone ! 
Apostates ! renegades ! each son 
To Prophet sold ! by Eblis won ! 

Flashed then Ataulpho's raven eye, 
Tendero, traitor, to espy ! 
Reared in his father's palace court, 
Thus, to the Moslem service bought ! 
" Well, dost thou, traitor!'''' cried he there, 
" Thus to attack, in battle share. 
The son of him who gave thee bread ! 
Thy lord ! now numbered with the dead ! 
Thou, who betrayest Cross and God ! 
Thy native soil ! thy country's sod ! " 

Boldly, then, with upraised lance. 
Did Ataulpho brave, advance ; 
For his vengeance fierce essayed ! 
Furious charged the renegade ! 
But Tendero, void of fear. 
Met the prince in mid-career, 



20 PEOEM. 

Crushed his lance upon his shield, 
Crying, " Yield, Ataulpho, yield ! " 
When the prince, from saddle-bow, 
Grasped his mace, to meet the foe ; 
And aU frightful grew the strife. 
Fierce the contest dire, for life ! 
Yet, ne'er triumphed trait'rous blade, 
Treason's curse e'er on it laid ! 
Paralyzed, the dastard hand 
That would turn 'gainst native land ! 
Vain, Tendero did essay 
Renegado sword to play ! 
But, between his armor's greaves 
Ataulpho a stroke receives. 
Which returneth he full well ! 
Crushing helm and skull, it fell ! 
Armor rattling 'neath the blow. 
Bold, that laid Tendero low. 
But, alas ! e'en at that hour, 
Azreal's raven wing did lower ! 
O'er the noble Ataulpho, 
The death angel's wing of woe ! 
For, by an Arab javelin hurled, 
Transfixed, Ataulpho's charger whirled. 
And reeling, fell — in death to lie ; 
When quick Taric ben Zeyad, nigh. 



P R O E M . 21 

Spurred on, with scimitar's keen blow 

To lay the Prince Ataulpho low ! 

Whom, sinking, covered with his gore. 

His pages to a streamlet bore. 

To stanch the wound, and bathe the face 

Of that brave prince of royal race. 

Who faintly oped his eyes, to say, 

" How fares the battle ? Whose the day ? " 

And thus, upon the cold ground there. 

Breathed he his last, his dying prayer ! 

Confessed his sins — no friar near, — 

Then to the earth, that soil so dear. 

Pressing his lips in fond farewell, 

Exhausting, fainting, backward fell. 

Sinking beneath death's with'ring blight. 

While from its form his soul took flight ! 

When Arab warriors, rushing by. 

Smote off his head ! — with triumph's cry 

Of " Lo ! the Christian leader's head ! " 

Which, on a lance, all gory red. 

With surcoat of the prince, bore they 

To Taric, — and, to trumpet's bray, 

And zel and atabal's resound. 

Thus marched the battle field around ! 



22 PROEM. 

With horror dire, and wild affright, 
The Christians gazed upon that sight ! 
Loved features ! — surcoat of their lord, — 
Thus borne in triumph by the horde ! 
In vain Theodmir rallied there ! 
No more of combat would they share ; 
But, casting battle weapons by. 
By Moors pursued, they wildly fly. 
Until the darkness of the night 
Frustrated chase, and aided flight ; 
When turned to Christian camp the Moor, 
Of plunder's spoil abundant, sure. 

Ill befits it me to tell 
How, on Xeres, Christians fell ; 
Tomes elaborate, filled there are 
With that bloody battle's fare. 
Penned by hands of able might. 
Bards, of inspiration's light, 
Telling how the Moslem pour, 
Dark'ning fair Guad'lete's shore ; 
Where, the land of Xeres through, 
Beauteous winds her stream to view ; 
How, that battle's dawning day. 
When the earth in darkness lay, 



PROEM. 23 

Or ere the breaking of the light, 
Arrayed Don Rod'rick for the figlit ; 
Sent for Bishop Urban then, 
Holiest of priestly men ; 
Laid aside the regal crown, 
By the prelate knelt him down. 
Sins confessed, was shriven there, 
Bowed, uncovered, low in prayer, 
Mass and euch'rist to receive, 
Ere for combat taking leave. 

N"ow, prepared for battle fray, 
He, " El Cid;' * doth bear his way. 
In the pomp and state all bold 
Of the Gothic kings of old, 
Grand, in robe of gold brocade. 
Sandals diamond wrought, arrayed ; 
Wearing crown of jewels rare, 
Bearing sceptre, rubied fair ; 
Borne in iv'ry chariot white, 
Axletrees of silver bright. 
Wheels and pole of burnished gold ; 
Canopy of golden fold 
Rich embossed with precious stone, 
That as starry heavens shone ; 
» Don Roderick, called by the Arabs " El Cid " (the Lord). 



24 PROEM. 



Drawn by snowy palfreys white, 
Draped in crimson velvet bright ; 
Pearls, in ricb embroid'ry seen, 
Flecking all in fleecy sheen. 
A thousand youthful cavaliers 
Surround the car, — choice grenadiers, 
Of noble blood, a gallant band, 
Knighted by Don Rod'rick's hand, 
Cased in gilded armor bright. 
Helmet-plumes of snowy white, 
Surcoats, scarfs of varied hue. 
Forming tableau fair to view ! 

Fadeth soon, alas ! the scene. 
Into darkness dire, I ween ! 
When Orpas, base, turns with his band 
Most treach'rous 'gainst his native land. 
Then wild confusion, massacre, 
And horror's fright attendant were ! 
When, casting royal mantle far, 
Kod'rick descendeth from the car. 
And, springing on his fav'rite steed, 
Orelia, bravely taketh lead, 
With lance and buckler grasped in hand, 
To rally his retreating band. 



PROEM. • 25 

But Arab foes come tliick'ning round, 
With trusted subjects, traitors found ! 
'Mid loyal knights, now falling fast. 
Was seen the king, brave to the last ! 
Till Chrysus' * waves, in sad refrain, 
His requiem chant in mournful strain ! 

And Xeres' plain lay red with gore. 
Where he, " El Cid;' had fallen low ! 
And stained with blood, Guad'lete's shore. 
From brave, and royal art'ries flow ! 
When they, the saved from battle strife. 
All hope now o'er, — for freedom, life, 
To fair Auseva's bosom fly, 
For refuge 'mid her mountains high. 

While craven ones to Moslem bend — 
Their souls and honor basely lend. 
Frail, paltry lucre to retain 
In cofl^ers, towers, and lands of Spain ! 
Twining the badge of sinful shame, 
That doth the name of Christ defame, 
In turban folds, with Crescent placed. 
O'er brows where erst the Cross was traced ! 

* The ancient name of the Guadalete. 



26 ' P E O E M . 

WTiile brave Pelayo, next in line, 

Tlirougli Favila, to Spanish throne, 

'Mid palace courts doth captive pine ; 

On ^'•palabra de honor " alone 

To roam at will through court and tower, 

But pris'ner still, in Seville's walls, 

'Mid Moorish feast and pomp and power. 

Captive in his own princely halls ! 

Where Muza holdeth royal court. 

And Abdelaisis, prince, his son. 

As bride, Count Eudon's daughter sought, 

Long since by brave Pelayo won ; 

Betrothed and pledged by willing sire, 

"Who now, apostate, sad doth turn. 

To shield him from the Moslem ire, — 

With infamy his soul to burn ! 

And faiQ would force his beauteous child 

To list the royal chieftain's love ! 

Would rend her heart with anguish wild — 

Break vows, long registered above ! 



PEL ATO. 



PELATO. 



CANTO L 



All bright the orb of day now turns 

His glowing course unto the west, 
That rich in crimson blushes bums, 

As now, within her bosom blest, 
He slowly sinks, while evening star 

Smiles brightly over hill and glade, 
And spreadeth twilight calm, afar 

Her dewy veil, in deep'ning shade ; — 
When tumeth, too, Pelayo bold. 

With lover's step, toward myrtle bower, 
His maiden pure, fond to enfold. 

At balmy eve's sweet trysting hour ; 



30 



PELA YO. 

When, one by one, the stars of niglit, 
As angels' eyes, gleam through the veil 

Of heavenly azure, beaming bright 

O'er tower and mosque, through grove and 
dale. 

Twilight is sleeping on the plain, — 

Sweetly the bulbul pours its note, 
Her " Ave Maria " vesper strain, 

All gently on the breeze to float : 
I marvel that she trills so long ! 

How fondly deep her tones to-night ! 
While sings she o'er and o'er her song, 

As though inspired by scene so bright ! 
Art warbling thou for that fair maid. 

Who, when the dew-drop kissed the rose, 
Erst to thy bower so loving strayed, 

At twilight's gentle, balmy close ? 
Why lingers she in marble hall ? 

While throbs Pelayo's heart with fear, 
With rustling breeze to bound or fall. 

Sighing, " She cometh not to cheer ' " 
How press his lips the flow'rets sweet 

His loved one left to wither there ! 
Why doth his heart so wildly beat ? 

Why tarries thus his Zillah fair ? 



P E L A Y O . 31 

Bright gleam the lights from tower and hall, 

And brighter still from maidens' eyes, 
While, light as snowflakes' gentle fall, 

Fair feet keep time to melodies. 
lN"ow flash Pelayo's dark orbs deep. 

As merry strains fall on his ear : 
" Why faileth she her tryst to keep ? 

Why comes she not my heart to cheer ? 
Thou mockest me, O bird of night ! 

With notes of joy, so blithe and free ! 
How can ye beam, fair stars so bright, 

While she forgets her love and me ? 
O Abdelaisis ! well I trow. 

My trusty blade will question thee, 
If, in thy pride and power, e'er thou 

Dare come between my love and me ! 
Go, take thy bride from all the fair, 

The daughters proud of Spain's rich towers, 
Thy wealth, thy pomp, and rank to share. 

Seek not my -flower from these dear bowers ! 
But hush, my heart ! be quelled, my ire ! 

List ! list ! a fairy step I hear ! 
'Mid sound of castanet and lyre, 

It draweth lightly, gently near ! 
The dewy flowers bend in her path. 

Shedding their perfumed breathings round ; 



32 P E L A Y O . 

Oh ! hushed is now my soul's vaiii wrath, 
With joy alone its pulses bound. 

O bird of night, thy note, how sweet ! 
O stars ! how bright ye shine ! 

My love ! my Zillah ! now I meet, — 
Ay, swarthy Moor, she's mine ! " 

" Yes, yes, Pelayo ! thine fore'er, 

Come weal, come woe to thee or me ! 
Though ne'er on earth thy home to share. 
In brighter realms I'll dwell with thee ! " 

" "What mean thy words ? Why tremblest thou 

As aspen quivers to the wind ? 
That daring Moor, full well I trow. 

Would seek with his thy fate to bind ; 
E'en too well sm-e that even now 

Thou'st stolen from his words of love. 
To keep last evening's whispered vow. 

Breathed here to me, my trembling dove ! 
And well I ken the foul, black stain 

That on thy father rests — O woe ! 
A renegade to God and Spain ! 

Would give his daughter to our foe ! 

" And though my word is pledged to bide 
Within these walls till yon moon's wane, 



PELAYO. 33 

Captive, on Guadalquiver's side ! 

A pris'ner in my fallen Spain ! 
Yet, when her disk once more shall rise 

In yonder heavens, an omen bright 
To Spain, to us — light of mine eyes ! 

I'll bear thee hence by her pure light. 
For thou wert mine by bond, as word, 

Acknowledged mine, by sire and court, 
Ere that deep clarion blast was heard. 

And craven souls were basely bought ! 
That tocsin hell^ that pealing rang 

Its deep-toned notes of groaning woe 
In quick, successive, frightful clang 

Wild call to meet the rushing foe ! 
That Moorish blast of death and woe 

That hurled destruction in its breath, 
As sweeps the fierce ' /S'^>oc,' all low. 

Before its path in horrid death ! 

" Ah ! worse than Simoon's roar, the note. 
That roused our happy, slumb'ring Spain, 
And raised the Crescent flag to float 

In triumph o'er Don Rod'rick slain ! 
Fierce, madly rushed that swarthy throng. 
With one wild swoop, as birds of prey — 



2* 



34: P E L A T O . 

That turban'd Lostj 'mid clash of gong, 
And scimitars' bright flashing ray ! 

"When fell that noble cavalier, 
Ramiro, 'mid the Christian dead. 

And royal standard — omen drear ! 

Lay spreading 'neath vile Moslem tread ! 

Its burnished staff sad rent in twain, 

That proudly bore our arms of Spain ! 

Low, fallen on the battle field ! 

Prophetic that we soon must yield ! 

" With sickly glare the sun arose 

Morns eight, upon Guad'lete's shore, 
O'er Xeres' plain, dark with our foes. 

And welt'ring in her children's gore ; 
And evenings eight, set dark that sun. 

O'er bravely struggling Christians there, 
Whose pure heart's blood, all freely run 

As Holocaust in country's share ! 
Until the regal arm was felled. 

Until Don Rod'rick's hand was cold ! 
And royal blood from heart-fount welled. 

And ceased the dauntless war-strokes bold ! 
When, lowly on his mother earth. 

That kingly form was lain, 



P E L A Y O . 35 

Where passed unto his ' second birth ' 

Don Rod'rick 'mid the slain ! 
In ' royal robe, and horned helm,' 

And bright enamelled mail ; 
When dark despair did all o'erwhelm ! 

With horror each heart quail ! 
Then fainted, strongest, bravest heart ! 

Then Hope, herself, took wing ! 
Dismay, confusion, bearing part ! 

FaU'n ! fall'n ! Rod'rick ! king ! 

" And poor Orelia^ riderless. 

And wild Moors rushing on 
As beasts of prey, all merciless, 

With yell and ' Techir ' song ! 
While Spain's brave blood poured gushing o'er, 

As wine from out the vintner's press. 
Her vineyards, ^patios,'' f all gore ! 

As though no God to save or bless. 

" O fatal day ! O morn of woe ! 
IsTo marvel that our Cross fell low ! 
God's blessed day, so desecrate ! 
Palm Sunday ! stained with crimson date ! 

* Roderick's war horse. t Courts. 



86 P E L A T O . 

O bloody field of Chrysus' shore ! 

' Campo de la YerdadI ' * 
Fitter, ' JEl Campo del Dolor ! ' f 

Dark Hades' gory path ! 

" And countless hosts of Arab power 

Swarmed on, with Moslem foes, 
And minaret, and crescent tower. 

And golden mosque arose 
'Mid convent groves, and Christian dell, 

And heath-clad hill and plain, 
Where cross and altar sadly fell. 

And sacred walls of Spain ! 
But better far that ev'ry vein 

Of Spain's best blood, all pure and brave. 
Should bathe, as tears, her noble slain. 

Than recreant turn, base life to save ! 

" Nay, pardon thou, my soul ! my love ! 

I would not wound thy gentle heart, 
My noble one ! my purest dove ! 

That of ihj father hath no part. 
In my wild grief I thoughtless spake. 

Of one who calls thee child, I know, 

* The field of truth. + The field of woe. 



P E L A Y O . 37 

Who would from me my soul's light take, 
And finish well his work of woe ! 

" Said I there seemed no God to save 

Our fallen Spain, forevermore ? 
If living, there remain ten brave 

Of those left welt'ring in their gore, 
God will not long avert his face 

From our dear country's bleeding woes ; 
Once more shall rise our fallen race, 

Scattered shall be our cruel foes, 
This faithful arm shall strike one blow 

With valiant knights, our land to free ; — 
Spain, desolate, and now laid low. 

Thy banner, proud shall wave o'er thee ! 

" But first, my nightingale ! my bird ! 

Must wing her flight with me away ; — 
Here soon again her notes be heard, 

When victory shall crown our day ! 
In Seville's halls and bowers, with me. 

My bride ! my queen of heart and throne ! 
O Spain ! I fight for her and thee — 

'Twere sad to strive for thee alone ; 
My heart would faint, were no bright hope 

To light me on my darkened way, 



38 P E L A T O . 

No gentle tones my soul awoke — 
No eye beamed on me loving ray. 

" Why droops my trembling bird her wings ? 

Nay, raise those tearful eyes above, 
For bright with hope my soul now sings, 

For ' ve7igeance^ victory^ and love ! 
As yonder orb from out that cloud 

Is glimm'ring now, in misty light. 
To burst in full effulgence proud. 

So shall our Spain break from her night ! 
Lo ! as she now reigns calm, serene. 

And purely bright, in yon clear sky, 
So dost thou reign, my bosom's queen. 

And Spain's shall reign, with banner high ! 
And as those stars gleam o'er her brow, 

Steadfast and faithful in their ray. 
So shine our loyal, brave hearts now, — 

The few saved from that carnage day ! " 

Fondly her violet orbs she turned 
On him, all dewy bright with tears ; 

While in their depth a lustre burned 
Of love and faith, of hopes and fears. 

" Ah ! yes, I'll raise mine eyes to thee^ 
Light of my soul ! miae own true knight ! 



£^^^\; 







As yondcM- orb from t)iit tliat cioud 
Is <rliMim"rinj: now, in misty liLrht. 
To burst in fnll ett'iilircncc proud. 
l>o shall our Si)ain bivak trom 1km- ai-bt 1 



P E L A Y O . 39 

They need no ' star ' or ' moon ' to see ; 

Thy presence maketh all things bright ! 
My cynosure to guide in love ! 

My firm, unwav'ring beacon bright ! 
To cheer on earth, and lead above, 

Till blend our souls in heav'nly light ! 
But ah ! my heart grows faint with fear, 

Lest from me severed, thou shouldst be. 
My love ! my light ! in night most drear 

Borne down in battle's raging sea ! 
Nor could this earthly, frail bark breast 

Alone and desolate life's tide ; 
Better thy bird should seek her nest 

Safe, glad, with thee on mountain side. 
Or e'er its helm another take. 

E'en though alone, on stormy sea ; 
The bark must sink — this poor heart break, 

Ere guide or love it know but thee ! 
Crave I no throne, or courtly train, 

No crown upon my brow to shine. 
Pray I but freedom for our Spain, 

One faithful heart — ^thine, dearest, thine ! 
Alas ! how wild, how vain that hope 

For Spain ! her glory now so shorn ! 
In bondage base, 'neath foreign yoke ! 

From night so dark, whence cometh mom ! 



40 p E L A y o . 

Where now thy noble, stalwart band ? 

Where otir bold chiefs — ^brave sons of Spain ? 
All crushed and scattered o'er her land ! 

Or martyred, mouldering with her slain ! 
Fall'n Cross and sceptre, chief and king ! 

!N'ay, rush not madly to thy grave ! 
As cygnet fair, thy dirge to sing 

In reckless war cry, Spain to save ! " 

Fondly he gazed, with love-lit eye, 

Within her earnest orbs of blue ; 
As starry rays from heaven lie 

In crystal waters, mirrored true. 
" And if, as cygnet bird, I sing 

My requiem in our battle cry. 
Her parting song doth sweetest ring, 

As mine would, love ! for Spain to die. 
But fear thou not, my life ! my love ! 

No swan-hke dirge sing I forlorn, 
But, as the lark chants dawn above, 

So herald I our breaking morn ! 

" 'Now rest that dear face close to me, 
Thy golden tresses next my cheek, 
While in thine ear I breathe to thee 
A dream of hope I may not speak. 



P E L A Y O . 41 

Thou dost remember my young page, 

Gomez, that stripling of sixteen, 
Who, constant, through the battle's rage. 

Close by my side was ever seen ? 
Dauntless and fearless in the fight. 

As bound his liege and Spain to save ! 
In sooth, it was a goodly sight. 

That noble boy, so young and brave ! 
But, when the fray grew madd'ning wild, 

And fiercely rushed the dark horde on, 
Borne with them was that faithful child ; 

I turned — to find him from me gone ! 
And how, I need not tell to thee. 

My heart for him has sorely bled. 
Whom ne'er I thought again to see. 

But sadly numbered with the dead ! 

" Thy precious form last eve had passed 

Scarce fifteen moments from my view, 
And I had turned me from my last 

Fond gaze, and sad, oh ! sad adieu ! 
When passing near the ilex trees 

That grace the borders of yon bower, 
Heard I a rustling, as the breeze, 

And at my feet there dropped a flower. 



42 P E L A Y O . 

As, parting the ricli vines so bright, 

All drooped their crimson buds with dew, 
A voice exclaimed, " My liege ! my knight ! " 

And Gomez ! living ! met my view ! 
Bending, with rapt'rous rev'rence deep. 

Mine hands with kisses wild he prest. 
Exclaiming, ' God my liege did keep ! 

Oh ! be His name forever blest ! ' 

" Then hastily his tale he told 

Of one, who through that battle day, 
Constant on me kept eye o'er bold. 

And eager, sought full oft to slay. 
'Twas Ebba ! who, with direst hate. 
Strove, ever fierce, to wind my fate 
In speedy death, — ^heart's blood to spill, 
And thus his hopes and vengeance fill. 
Through all the hottest of the fight, 

That Evil-eye my form e'er sought. 
Gleaming with murd'rous intent bright. 

With envy, malice, deeply fraught, 
And baffled rage, — for well he knew 

"No treach'rous blow could reach my heart, 
While that brave boy, so fondly true, 

Close from my side would never part ; 



P E L A Y O . 43 

And, therefore, thought he first to slay 
My faithful guard ; so dastard sword 

Aimed full at me, — ^but turned, to lay 
That noble boy low with the horde ! 

" Weak, faint, he rose, with strongest will 

To serve his master to the last, 
When rushing foe, with ' Techir ' shrill, 

Bore his poor, fainting body past. 
Bleeding and senseless on the field. 

With all that wi'etched, dying throng. 
Fell that poor child, — ^my guard and shield, 

As rushing Moors swept wild along ! 
At midnight hour, 'mid hope and fear. 

One of his kin, who searched a friend. 
Chanced my poor Gomez' moan to hear. 

To save him from untimely end, 
And bore him to a mountain cave. 

Where brave and fair were gath'ring fast, 
WTiile others sought the field, to save 

Their dying, ere all hope were past. 
And thus a goodly band was spared. 

Of Spain's brave, fallen, bleeding race ; 
By leech's skill all gently cared, 

To fill again the warrior's place. 



44 P E L A Y O . 

Assembled there, in cave and glen, 

And o'er the verdant mountain slope, 
"Wait Spain's fair daughters — ^loyal men — 

Brave hearts, all warm and bright with hope ; 
Eager upon the foe to rush — 

To raise our battle cry again, 
The miscreant Saracen to crush 

For ' Vengeance ! Victory ! and Spain ! ' 
But now, my love ! to me they turn, 

Last of my sad and princely race ! 
Each heart with fervent zeal doth burn. 

That as their chief I take my place ; 
To lead them on, as chief and king. 

From vale and mountain call they now, 
That soon each dale and height may ring 

With one avengeful, patriot vow. 

" Learned they, I dwelt in bondage here. 

When, as a peasant, Gomez came 
To seek me out, with words of cheer. 

Of quick release from captive shame. 
Him send they, saying, one and all, 

' Go now unto Abd'laisis' court, 
"Where seek Pelayo, held in thrall. 

With whom on Xeres' field we fought. 



P E L A Y O . 45 

Tell him, his people, unsubdued, 

His Christian chiefs, all faithful stand, 
That time sufficient hath ensued. 

Since Xeres' fall, and wait the band ; 
That he, as king, shall lead them on ; — 

In Theodmir's, Urbino's name. 
In name of chiefs to glory gone, 

We pray him, save our country's fame ! ' 
And loud the cry, ' Save thou our Spain ! 

Pelayo ! now our only hope ! 
Let us not call or plead in vain ! 

Pelayo ! break our hated yoke ! 
Too long we pining, fettered groan ! 

Restore, in thuie own rightful line, 
The Spanish sceptre — mount thy throne, 

And raise our Cross, and Virgin shrine ! ' 

" And now, my life ! the hour draws nigh 
When, to Asturia's mountams high. 
We haste, just Heaven's will to do ; 
For risen bright the fire anew. 
So nearly dead ; — from embers past 
One spark, not yet extinct, the last, 
Breathed on by souls that brook no shame, 
Hath kindled into glorious flame. 



46 P E L A Y O . 

To sweep th' invader from our path 

As leaves before the tempest's wrath ; 

And raise a beacon-light on high 

With ' Santiago ! ' battle cry ! 

Then ne'er may it be said that I, 

Recr'ant from death or duty, fly, 

And thou wilt be my star of light. 

Sweet love ! to cheer to freedom bright ; — 

To freedom blest, on mountain height, 

To fair Auseva's heav'nly air, 
Far from that Crescent's hateful sight. 

With me, my precious one ! I'll bear, * 
!N"ay, list ! Bishop Centerio, sweet ! 

With friends and maidens, dear to both, 
Await us there, with love to greet. 

And witness all, our nuptial troth: 
And there, in Godi's cathedral grand, 

Lighted by myriad stars on high, 
Guarded by angels pure, we'll stand, 

Our canopy, the glorious sky. 
Its columns, oaks, in moonlit sheen, 

Fluted by many a beauteous vine ; 
Our carpet, flowers on mossy green. 

And there, my life ! I'll make thee mine ! 
The holy bishop waits us there, 

To join our hands, as hearts, in one. 



P E L A Y . 47 

Ere all shall join in one vast prayer 
That God will bless the work begun, 

For Cross and Faith — for fallen Spain, 
And vow to fight, and bleeding fall. 

So that her banner float again 

O'er battlement, and tower, and wall ! 

" Light of my soul ! wilt fly with me. 

Far from thy gorgeous palace home, 
Content in forest-wild to be, 

Or with thine own true knight to roam ? 
Oh ! gently will I guard my dove, 

And though in wild-wood be her nest, 
I'll weave it close with flowers of love. 

Forever blooming in my breast ! 
And thou shalt say, in after power. 

That marble court and golden dome, 
Are not so dear as bird and flower, 

And streamlet of our momitain home ! " 

" Wilt fly with thee ! And wouldst thou ask 
Yon bird, in gilded cage so fine. 
If it in Freedom's light would bask 

With loving mate, or fettered pine ? 
To be each day more eager sought 
To nestle in a tyrant breast. 



48 P E L A Y O . 

Until at length, fierce, rudely caught, 

And forced, e'en dying, there to rest ! 
Nay ! nay ! thou couldst not leave me here 

To be the bride of Moslem-foe ! 
And I but shrank in maiden fear, 

Lest wrong, ere wedded, hence to go. 
But ever noble, true, and right. 

My guide ! my light ! in all thou art ! 
With trusting love IHl share thy flight. 

And from thee, never, never part! 

" Ha ! see ! my Sainted Mother dear ! 

In spirit pure ! an angel mild ! 
Smiles sweetly, as she draweth near ! 

She blesses us ! blesses her child ! 
Now sadly turns she toward our Hall, 

Where floats that brazen, impious scroll. 
Proclaiming my lost father's fall ! 

Plead ! mother ! plead for his poor soul ! 
Look ! tear-drops swell in those dear eyes ! 

All mournfully she droops her head, — 
Now smiles on us ! and toward yon skies 

Floats gently on, by angels led ! 
Bless me again ! O mother, stay ! 

Smile yet once more ! and bless thy child ! 



P E L A Y O . 49 

Bear her, oh, hear her not away ! 

In mercy stay ! nor drive me wild ! " 
To heaven, outstretched her arms she threw, 

Piercing its depths with earnest gaze ! 
Raised, poised, as if for flight — she too 

Seems angel fair, in moonlit rays ! 
As halo floats her sunny hair, 

Of heaven's own blue, soul-fraught her eyes. 
Fixed on that mother, till through air 

She slowly fadeth in those skies ! 
Then, as a lily, dew-drooped, weak, 

All sobbing on his breast she fell, 
Who fondly, soothing words did speak. 

Till vanished grief 'neath love's sweet spell ! 
And smiling she, as blossom bright 

In sun's reviving, cheering ray. 
Deems her blest mother, ' clothed in light,' 

Came — omen of a happier day ! 

" My precious love ! this waning moon 
Absolves me full from ' word or bond,' 
So must we hence, and that right soon, 

To join our friends, the brave and fond. 
When ev'ning dews the third shall fall, 
Thou'lt meet me 'neath' the acacia fair. 



50 PELAYO. 

At sunset hour, "when from yon wall 

Rings forth the Moslem cry, ' To prayer ! ' 
When prostrate falls each turbaned knave, 

And cry to ' Allah ' that dark mass, 
We, praying God to bless and save, 

Will from those walls to freedom pass ! 
When from the minaret's high wall, 
Her outer gallery, doth fall 
The Muezzin^ s last ' Alia Hu^ * 
Our forms no more the guard may view ! 
As peasants, home from market trade. 

In humble guise, on good mules strong, 
Ourselves, Gomez, thy faithful maid, 

Will careless wend our way along ; 
And once without the farther wall 

With thee, my precious life ! my fair ! 
That slave may scarce on * Allah ' call. 

Whom our sure flight to stop might dare. 
Gomez will bring the garbs for all. 

Which don we o'er our vestures here ; 
And in our panniers, wardrobe small, 

WiU full suflace for rural gear. 
Let Inez bring by stealth, at times, 

Thy treasures and thy robes, my bride ! 

^^ Alia Eio'' ("God, the Prophet"), the concluding words of the 
Muezzin's call to prayer. 



PELAYO. 51 

As thou dost wish, and near the limes, 
Beneath the myrtle, closely hide." 

But they must part — yon silv'ry moon 
Is setting now — fading her light ; 

The sad " adieu " comes all too soon — 
To lovers fond, the sad " good night ! " 

' Again ' good night,' mine angel love ! 

Whom sainted spirits bright attend, 
And guarding, shield my precious dove 

For me, through life, life withoat end ! " 
Again, again, one last embrace ! 

As rending heartstrings thus to sever ! 
" Once more our tryst in this dear place, 

Again to part, sweet love ! oh, never ! " 
Fluttered her white robes in the breeze. 

Fades she, as angel, from his sight ! — 
Now moans the wind through orange trees, 

And, as yon moon, waneth his light ! 



CAISTTO II. 

Theee weary days had well nigh passed, 

And sunset hour came stealing near, 
When Zillah turned to take her last, 

Sad, fond farewell of scenes once dear. 
Brushing the tear that dimmed her eye. 

For shadowed joys and past hopes, fled, 
Bright flowers, that blossomed but to die, 

All sadly stricken — withered — dead ! 
" ^o place for thee," she mournful sighed, 

" 111 seemeth tear or sign of woe ; 
A loved and royal chieftain's bride. 

While he is spared, may grief ne'er know." 

But scarce that tear to fall had time. 
Ere joy beamed forth ! in myrtle bower. 

Beneath the acacia fair, and lime, 
Her lover waits th' appointed hour ! 



P E L A Y O . 63 

One bound, one spring, and he hath pressed 
That trembling maiden to his heart ! 

" Star of my soul ! my bride ! my blessed ! 
JMine own for aye ! no more to part ! " 

And Inez now and Gomez bend, 

In rustic garb, and rev'rence deep. 
With earnest zeal and care to tend. 

And faithful guard still anxious keep ; 
While quickly armor's shining mail. 

And snowy robe of finest make, 
In peasant guise they closely veil. 

And each on arm a basket take. 
But scarce an arrow's distant flight, 

Bj Guadalquiver's rippling side, 
In grove of fig, well screened from sight, 

Their sturdy mules had Gomez tied. 
Which mounting, they with hearts of fear 

Went forth amid the noisy throng, 
From bower, and ^'patio,^^ * long loved, dear. 

With careless air, and light-hummed song. 

And the Alcazar leave full soon, 
Her curhng pennons, crescent moon, 

* Court. 



64 P E L A Y O . 

Arid impious scrolls of blasphemy, 
Floating where sacred cross should be, 
O'er Christian gardens, — grand arcade, 
Of fluted columns' length'ning shade. 
As sinks the sun in glowing west. 
With glancing beam o'er courts to rest. 
Of olive and sweet orange flower. 
Radiant in sunset's gorgeous hour. 

And thus, with anxious, trembling feai'. 

They meet the turbaned. Eastern throng ; 
Giralda's tower soon passing near. 

Mosque, convent, aqueduct along ; 
And, as beneath the palm they passed. 

The brazen statue, beareth there. 
Murmured Pelayo, " Thus, at last. 

May we return with palm branch fair ! " 

iNTow, Convent of the Carmelite, 

Embowered 'mid chestnuts' richest bloom, 
Beyond their Guadalquiver bright. 

Behold they, in deserted gloom. 
ISTo cross upraised toward heaven's light, 
No sacred emblem meets the sight ! 
With flutt'ring heart they rapid pass 
'Mid Arab, Moor, and motley mass, 






i 







■il^ ^. 




When soon, witli joy the city g;ite 
They safely reach, ere eeases call 
Of "Alia IIu!'" to Prophet great, 
And praising (rixl, pass from the wall 



P E L A Y O . 65 

While clear doth ring through perfumed air, 
The Imaums' cry, " To pi^ayerl to prayer I ^'* 
When soon, with joy the city gate 

They safely reach, ere ceases call 
Of " Alia Hu ! " to " Prophet great," 

And praising God^ pass from the wall ! 

" Now, God be praised ! " exclaimed the knight, 

" For this sweet breath of freedom's air. 
With thee, my star of beauty bright. 

And queen of every virtue rare ! 
My wild flower of the forest ! now 

Thou bloomest in thy rustic dress. 
More fair to me than when all bow 

To thee in courtly loveliness ! 
' Mimosa mia 1 ' trembling thou ? 

This little hand scarce guides thy rein ! 
' Animo, vida mia ! ' now, 

For fear and terror, love ! are vain. 
Turn thee, my life ! behold yon wall. 

Where Moslem banners glisten bright ; 
E'en now, thou seest, we're far from all, 

And soon will fade their hateful sight." 

" It is, my love ! no craven fear 

Thrills deep my heart, unnerves my hand ; 



66 PELAYO. 

But terror, that thy life, so dear. 
Be thus exposed to Moorish band ! 

Lest that our flight o'er soon be known, — 
Captured by numbers, sadly sure ! 

To thee, my life ! no mercy shown ! 

And I — forced bride of that vile Moor ! " 

" Cheer thee, ' Mi Alma ! ' banish fear, — 

For not until the nightingale 
Breathes forth her love-strains, sweetly clear, 

Within our own dear parted vale. 
Will Abdelaisis seek thy side. 

To learn my bird has ta'en her flight ! 
N'ear vulture dark no more to bide. 

Or patios^ seared by Moslem blight. 
When, thanks to Heav'n, the distance wide 
'Tween thee and him, mine own ! my bride ! 
And e'en pursued, full well, I ween. 
Long leagues and night will kindly screen 
Us from all ken, or sight of Moor, 
And soon, all safe in refuge sure 
Within Auseva's shelt'ring arm. 
Where ne'er may aught affright, or harm 
My dove, enclosed in safest nest 
Of eyrie bright, on loving breast ! " 



P E L A Y O . 57 

" Now on my heart doth radiance break ! 

Safe, safe with thee ! thine, only thine ! 
My noble oak ! storm ne'er may shake, 

And I, thy weak but clinging vine. 
And thus all fear I cast aside. 
Thy loving, true, and trusting bride : 
More blithe my nest, on mountain height. 
With thee, mine otvti ! 'neath heaven's light, 
Than Alcazar whose walls of gold. 
Would but a pining birdling hold ; 
Beating her wings 'gainst rubied bar, 
Moaning for freedom, love, afar, 
Dying, beneath the with'ring breath 
Of loathed love — far worse than death ! " 
And thus, in converse fond, they led 

Their loving, onward way, 
And many a league had rapid sped, 

Long ere the close of day. 

Happily they onward wend, 
Smiling skies above them bend, 
Hope, her radiance lends, to cheer, 
Chasing ev'ry darksome fear. 
Rich and lovely is the scene ! 
Soft'ning now in shades of e'en, 



3* 



58 PELAYO. 

Far ascending mountains liigli, 
Looming toward the glowing sky ; 
Scattered hamlets, villas bright, 
Calm repose in rosy light. 
Castles grand, imposing tower 
Lofty, where broad shadows lower, 
Marking clear each rampart line 
Bolder in the smi's decline. 

Thus far, they had avoided well 

Hamlet, or cot, or haunt of men ; 
But now, as winding through a dell 

Of sweet repose in mountain glen, 
The faint, low, tolling of a bell 

With blending voices, meet the ear ! 
How solemn, sad, that dirge's swell, 

As yon small fun'ral train draws near ! 

Oh blessed sight ! no crescent stains 

Where priests, with crucifix and pall. 
Pay their last rev'rence to remains 

N'ow passing to the home of all. 
While from a grove, 'mid chestnuts' flower, 

There glistens in the sunset light 
Our cross of hope, on convent tower ! — 

A hermitage, oasis bright ! 



P E L A Y O . 59 

" Did I not tell thee, precious one ! 

That, o'er each height and mountain glen, 
Wait, but to know our work begim. 

To fight, and save, brave, loyal men. 
Who, faithful to their cross and land 

(As powder in the vein doth lie). 
All calmly ready, waiting stand 

To strike for Spain, or nobly die ? " 
But list, the solemn words they sing 

Of him, from earth now passed away, — 
Conquered by one whom all own king, 

In bitter sadness, day by day ! 

Hark ! to yon convent bell. 

Heavily it tolleth ; 
List ! to the requiem swell. 

Mournfully it rolleth. 

Loved one ! thou'rt passing now 

From earth to Heaven — 
Sadly, the mourning bow — 

Hearts, heavy ! leaden ! 

Raise now the cross above, — 

Jesus, the Saviour ! 
Smile on us, Lord, in love ! 

Pray for us, Madre I 



60 P E L A Y O . 

Slow sets the sinking sun, 
Skies brightly beaming ; 

Mortal, thy work is done ! 
Death, — ^harvest gleaning. 

Leavest thou, as golden cloud, 
Footprints, brightly gleaming ; 

Thus casting earthly shroud — 
Passing from vain dreaming. 

" Alas ! too true ! vain, idle dreams — 

All pomp, and wealth, and power below ! 
And pleasure's ray but fitful gleams, — 

And glory — but an empty show ! 
But yesterday, how bright our land. 

In every blessing, richly proud ! 
Now governed by a foreign band, 

And 'neath an imj)ious yoke, how bowed ! 
To-day, man calm in peace may rest. 

To-morrow, wretched, homeless left ! 
To-day, in happy love full blest, — 

To-morrow, of that joy bereft ! " 

" N'ay, not bereft ! " she answered sweet, 

" True love fades not, dies not, — oh, never ! 
Death could but part us, love ! to meet 
In Heaven, more bright, to dwell forever." 



P E L A Y O . 61 

" My star of hope ! mine angel love ! 

My bride on earth, in Heav'n fore'er ! 
And earth scarce less than Heav'n above, 

While thou my home or wand'riugs share. 
But, dear one ! thou must rest thee here, 

In this ah. holy, calm retreat ; 
For yet full many a league, I fear, 

Ere aught like this again we meet. 
But see ! who hasten quickly near. 

With eager step, as us to greet ! 
Bishop Centerio ! maidens dear ! 

Chiefs, nobles of our court we meet ! 
Kind friends, who wend their lovmg speed 

From far, to welcome us this night ; 
Our escort hence o'er hill and mead 

To forest altar — ^nuptial rite. 
For well, methinks, my gentle one 

Might shrink to meet a warrior band, 
With our small number first alone. 

Friends many, love, will round thee stand ; 
And were it not, mayhap, e'en now 

Pursued, discovered in our flight, 
We'd tarry here for marriage vow, 

Our hands, as hearts, in love to plight.'* 



65>4 P E L A T O . 

Scarce liad she time to turn one glance 

Of grateful love, for tender thought, 
When nearer now those friends advance 

With words of ardent welcome fraught. 
" Bless thee ! " the bishop cried, " my child ! 

God bless thee, prince, our hope, the last ! — 
How, daughter, like thy mother mild ! 

Whose days on earth full quickly passed ! 
So, God ordaineth all for best. 

Some wise, mysterious, unseen good, 
To try our love, our faith to test, — 

He chastens now with bitter food ! 
And teaches us, in brightest days 

To guard the treasures we possess. 
And prize the smallest sunny rays 

Which om' poor earthly life may bless." 

"Now crowd brave chiefs and nobles round 
Their prince, Pelayo, happ'ly found ! 
Exclaiming, " God, our Lord, we praise ! 
Who thus, through thee, Spain's king doth raise. 
Most royal prince ! we greet thee, all 
Our hope now, in our country's fall ; 
Welcome, brave chief! from fond hearts true. 
Prince ! king ! to raise our Spain anew ! '^ 



r E L A Y O . 03 

Tender and fond the greeting, too, 

Between those maiden friends of old, 
Who meet in scenes so strangely new. 

In this calm glen, 'mid mountains bold ! 
For long, these friends had holden all 

Afar in mountain wilds their court ; 
In caves, where pure streams rippling fall, 

'Mid towers of boulders, strongly wrought ; 
Thither had fled, when hope was past, 

To bide until a fairer hour. 
When Spain should ring her trumpet-blast. 

And boldly reassert her power. 

Within the monastery's wall 

They enter now, brief rest to take ; 
When speedily sounds kindly call 

Frugal collation all to make. 
And there, on holy friars' board, 

Bright flowers, rich fruits were freely spread, 
With choicest wines, long since well stored, 

Fresh game, and whitest chestnut bread. 
And now, those maidens murmur low 

Of much that's past, and bridal near ; 
When, playfully, each seeks to know 

Who are the chosen bride-maids dear ? 



64r P E L A Y O . 

While half in joy, and half in fear, 

Fair Zillah, trembling, smiling, tries 
Brave heart to bear, for him so dear. 

Toward whom she turneth loving eyes ; 
And though in parlance grave is he 

With warriors of their suff'ring land. 
He feels that glance — and tm-ns to see. 

As though 'twere touch of gentle hand. 
Magnetic thrill ! that, stealing sweet. 

Soul to fond soul may loving send. 
In one vibration full to meet. 

In one soul-rapture both to blend ! 

But they must hasten, — in yon court 

The restless chargers stamp the ground, 
Champing the bit with neigh and snort. 

That through the valley shrill resound ; 
While faithful mules still meekly stand. 

As if for toil and patience made ; 
So, in all things, from wisest hand. 

For every use, come light and shade. 

Soon forth approach our prince and maid. 
From sacred porch, each fair and knight ;- 

The royal pair again arrayed 

In proper robe, — in armor bright ; 



P E L A Y O . 65 

And mounted they on steeds of white, 

"Was ever seen more noble pair ? 
"With ev'ry grace and virtue bright, 

A godlike hero ! angel fair ! 

And Gomez, proudly, in advance, 

His chieftain's spear and banner bears ; 

"While shield, and sword, and shming lance, 
Each knight and warrior boldly wears. 

Then bend they low, in rev'rence all, 

Before those friars, old and grave, 
"Whose benedictions solemn fall, 

"With prayers that God will guide and save ; 
As turning from that spot so blest. 

The twilight dews begin to steal, 
"While crimson clouds adorn the west. 

And sweetly chimes the vesper peal. 



PRATER OF THE FRIARS. 

" JDomine^ exaudi me^"* 
Jesu, Saviour mine ! 
Lo, now Thy children see, 
Suppliants at Thy shrine. 



6Q P E L A T O . 

Lord ! Jehovah holy ! 

Lend now Thine ear, — 
Bend we, sad and lowly, 

Dangers low'ring near ! 

Save Thou, from sin and woe, 
Lighten Thou, our sorrow ; 

Shield us from Moslem foe. 
Hasten brighter moiTow. 

Pray thou for us, Marie, 
Virgin madre mine ; 

Intercede for mercy 
From the Lord divine. 

" Orapro nobis,''^ 

O madre, madre mine ! 

" Orapro noMs,''^ 

That Heaven's blessmgs shine 

On homeless wand'ters here, 
Toss'd and tempest driven ; 

Life's treach'rous sea, all drear ! 
From our haven riven I 



PEL A YO. 

" Orapro nohis^'* 

Pardoned be our sin, 
O'er foe of earth and soul 

Vict'ry may we win ; 
Guide Thou unto the goal — 

Heaven safe within ! 

With grave and solemn thoughts imbued, 

And measured, gentle pace, they passed ; 
The hour, the scene, their tones subdued, 

As faint and fainter fell the last 
Sad, plaintive strain of holy prayer— 

So thrilling in its dying close. 
That, as inspired— in chorus share 

Spontaneous each voice arose 
In rich, full tones— deep from the heart 

Gushed forth again that fading prayer. 
Each hill and valley bearing part 

In softened echoes through the air ; 
While twilight falls, on hiU and dale. 

As clouds of eve o'erhang the west. 
Draping, with floating, gorgeous veil 

The portals whence the day seeks rest. 
Till fades the light from that fair west. 

And stars come glimm'ring forth on high ; 



67 



68 P E L A T O . 

Sweet nature, hushed in dewy rest, 

As calm reposing all things lie ; 
While Night slow folds her dusky Avings, 

And silence reigns o'er hill and plain, 
Save but the lay the nightbird sings. 

In clear and melancholy strain. 
Of gently trilling, plaintive note ; 

Sweet warbler of the dreaming Avild ! 
Whose mellow tones so liquid float 

The livelong night in cadence mild. 

Enamored is she of yon moon. 

That riseth now, serenely bright ? 
Others, I ween, rejoice, thus soon 

She smileth on their Avay to light 
Their mountain path, and heath, and plain, 
Where solitude and silence reign 
Sole dwellers now, and e'en by day 
Where foot of man doth seldom stray. 
Falls through the forest dense, her glance. 

In quaint, strange forms, her cheering ray, 
'Mid oaks whose waving branches dance. 

And with the mountain breezes play. 
Ofttimes their path in darkness quite. 

Save startled fireflies' myriad gleam, 



PEL AY O. 69 

Or their own torches' fitful light 

Of strangely wild and flick'ring beam. 

Again, along the river's side, 

Ana and Bella's course, they wend, 
Whose gentle waters ripp'ling glide, 

While moonbeams in their bosom blend. 
Their borders fringed with drooping vine. 

Of fruit, and flowers, green, crimson, decked, 
As em'rald, ruby, bright to shine. 

In silv'ry sheen, all richly flecked ! 
Their way, sweet strewn with dewy flowers, 
O'er-arched by wild, fantastic bowers 
Of lofty branches waving high 
In tow'ring pride toward starry sky ; 
Where rest secure the forest choir. 
Till dawning waketh matin lyre, 
FiUing the air with melody. 
As sweetest, rarest minstrelsy. 

How strange that cortege in the wild ! 

How fair that noble pair, so true ! 
As in his loving gaze she smiled. 

Her face upraised to moonlight view ! 
Her tiny hand he fondly holds. 

Still gently guides her palfrey's tread, 



70 PELAYO. 

With tender arm her form enfolds, 
While bends to her his noble head. 

And thus, full many a rapid mile. 
In hasty flight they quickly sped, 

Sweet Love and Hope bright to beguile, 
As happily their journey led. 

Now turn they from all haunts of men 
Toward " Barranco de Tocas " glen, 
Where Deva's stream doth brightly wind. 
With silv'ry birch and hazel lined. 
Leaving the harvest fields spread wide 
Of golden grain, for mountain side ; 
High, rocky cliffs of heath and gorse, 
That gayly deck tortuous course ; 
Till wilder, grander grows their way, 
Where topphng crags above them lay ; 
And closer still, the rude defile. 
Through boulders fiercely flinty pile ; 
IS'ought heard, save Deva's rushing sound. 
Or chargers' tramps re-echoing romid, 
Startling the eagle from his rest, 
And forest bird from sheltered nest. 

Lo ! rises yon, St. Mary's cave, 
That Deva's rills, fair, sparkling lave ; 



P E L A Y O , 71 

As Covadonga's temple old, 
Towering in lofty grandeur bold ! 
Where Christian watchmen ever stand 
To guard Asturia's moimtain band. 
Nor mortal, e'er through this abyss 
May warder stealthy pass, I wis ! 
But look ! up yonder mountain, bright 

Gleam torches, fires, in cheerful glow ! 
How fearful looms that dizzy height 

To wand'rers at its base below ! 

" Behold, my liege ! " exclaims a knight, 

(Count Pedro), " our Auseva bold ! 
That foe lives not, could force her height, 

Or access gain within her fold ! 
On her bright summit breathe we free, 

Deep inspiration from on high. 
Health, peace, religious liberty. 

Fearing no foe, or danger nigh. 
Calm sanctu'iy for royal flight ! 

Where snowy clouds bend gently down, 
Kissing her brow of grandeur bright. 

With fleecy halo — heavenly crown ! 
And there the eye's extended range 

Unbounded o'er each side may roam 



72 P E L A Y O . 

O'er scenes of richly varied change, 

Hill, river, vale, and vine-clad liome. 
Studded her slopes with many a cave 

Of ev'ry size, and shape, and height, 
Where artist, huntsman, hermit grave, 

May peaceful lead a wild-wood life. 
In these have found we each a home. 

Rude, it is true, — ^but comfort share, 
As after sportsman's forest roam. 

We gayly feast on mountain fare. 
And still, above these mountain caves. 

There rises one, more grand in height. 
Whose mossy court the streamlet laves 

In purest water, crystal bright ; 
Spacious, majestic, and embowered 

By giant oaks, festooned with vine 
Pendant with fruit, and blossom-showered. 

Through which the laughing sunbeams shine. 
And this, with fondest care, have we 

Arranged, adorned, as best we might ; 
And though no palace, — still, will be 

A fairy bower, with bride so bright ! 
An eyrie grand! for thee, our Mng ! 

An eagle nest, amid the cloud! 
Until prepared to spread thy wing. 

With mighty swoop, to cry aloud 



P E L A Y O . 73 

And scatter wide those birds of prey. 
Vile ravens ! dark in soul as hue / 

J^oul vultures ! clouding our fair day^ — 
TTnholy, base, and impious crew ! " 

" Thanks, thanks, Count Pedro, for thy care ! 

Our gracious thanks to each and all, 
But chiefly for this jewel rare, 

So gently nursed in lordly hall. 
My brave sweet-heart, but tender flower ! 

Unused to mountain storm and wind, 
O'erjoyed am I, so fair a bower, 

For this, my treasure, I may find." 

" Secure, at least, my prince, 'tis found 

'Gainst wile or siege of storming band. 
For ISTature's walls guard all around. 

As though our fortress she had planned ! 
And though our numbers sadly small, 

Compared with that unholy horde, — 
Bold hearts and valiant hands have all. 

And on our side the blessed Lord ! 
N"o battlement, though raised with skill 

By man's deep art or cunning bold. 
May match our bulwarks, fortress hill. 

Of rook and crag from nature's mould ! — 



74: P E L A Y O . 

As "vvdnds the path up Deva's side, 

Fiercer and steeper grow the cliffs, 
As foot of man they bold defied 

By tottling crags and frightful rifts. 
Ascent is there but one, I wis ! 

E'en that, dame Nature fain would close 
By deep defile and dark abyss. 

Through which a rushing torrent flows 
Forever in this caldron deep. 

To wildly seething, foaming pour 
From rock to rock with whirling leap, 

And constant, never-dying roar ! 
O'er this ravine's unceasing flow 
A rude draw-bridge we firmly throw, 
And thus cheat nature — and the foe 
That seeks to pass, with grave below ! 
For should the Moslem here invade, 
This crafty game may well be played : — 
Meet loe in combat ''neath the ridge^ 
Retreat^ if need 5e, o'er the bridge ; 
Decoying thus the rushing Moor 
To quick pursuit — of conquest sure^ 
On to the bridge we safe have passed^ 
When rings their Techir cry^ the last ! — 
A icily sev'ring of the cord 

That knits that bridge o''er torrent s flow ! 



P E L A Y O . 75 

When^ with one crash, must plunge the horde 

Deep in the seething gulf helow ! 
Was ever known so sure a fort ? 

Was ever tower more grand and high ? 
Was ever held more gorgeous court, 

Sun, moon, star-crowned in heav'nly sky ? " 

Replied the prince, " We are much blessed, — 

And Nature is most kind and bland, 
Who, in her bosom giveth rest. 

And sheltering arms to guard our band ! 
And grateful, too, in sooth, are we. 

That for our lambs God giveth ' fold,' — 
My bride, thy lovely daughters three. 

The wives and children of our bold. 
For much fear I, few days may pass, 

Ere, of our flight become full sure. 
In hot pursuit will rush that mass. 

Apostate father — rival Moor ! 
But now with Nature laugh may we 

At fury spent, impotent rage ! 
Not here th' oppressors' power we'll see. 

But 'gainst them conq'ring battle wage ! 
And greatly should the mind be prized. 

That craftily, with skilful plan, 



76 P E L A Y O . 

The subtle net, the trap devised, 

Which maketh sure of that dark van ! " 

Lo ! high above, as in mid-air, 

Planted upon a jutting rock. 
Glitters a cross, raised, brightly fair, 

As gleam of hope to Christ's poor flock, — 
Huge, rudely carved, by Christian sons. 

Unto their blessed symbol true. 
Where fondly placed, those faithful ones, 

Their Syrian blades to glitt'ring view. 
From far and wide that cross is seen, — 

In sunny rays, to gleam with light. 
And still, full clear in soft moon sheen. 

It glistens through the calm, dark night ; 
And oft poor wand'rers o'er the plain. 

The fainting, scattered of Christ's flock, 
At our bright cross take hope again, 

To lean once more on " clefted rock," 
" The rock of ages," sure, fast hold 

For all who cling with trusting zeal ; 
Who keep brave heart and spirit bold, 

And grateful, loving faith e'er feel. 

Now soon the richer scenes are left, 
Of varied orchards, pear, and lime, 



P E L A Y O . 77 

With cot and hamlet, peace-bereft — 
Fair citron bowers, and fragrant thyme. 

Here, too, the plain begins to rise. 
Gently ascending as they pass ; 

Through heath and fern swarm bright fire-flies, 
While starts the lark from dewy grass, 

Before the wand'ring, midnight band. 

Invading thus his forest-land. 

All richly fair their pathway bright, 

With sleeping buds, where cistus* sweet. 
Covers the earth with blossoms white. 

Breathing rare odors 'neath their feet ; 
As crushed hearts, oft-times only give 

Their sweetness in the darkest hour; — 
While yet in sunshine bright they live. 

Show not their worth, till sorrows lower. 
Still, flow'rets sweet their pathway line. 
Of eglantine, and wild rose vine, 
And chanting streamlets dancing play. 
Throughout their devious, winding way. 
The midnight moon smiles calmly down 

O'er purple heath and trilling stream ; 

♦ The cistus sheds at night its perfumed leaves of white. 



78 PELAYO. 

Glancing where crags and ravines frown ; — 

Througli olive groves, with playful gleam ; 
Kissing Auseva's star-crowned height 

(Majestic, tow'ring 'mid her skies). 
With glorious, full effulgence bright, 

As in her smiles she sleeping lies ; 
And bathed Asturia's hills in light 

Which their huge forms now full defines 
In the clear west — their giant height 

Casting o'er Leon shadowy lines. 

How calm, how varied is the scene ! 

How fraught with all of good and mild, 
As blend now in the moon's fair sheen, 

Grove, vega, streamlet, bowlder wild ! 
All solemn, silent, save the note 

Of nightingale anon and then, 
With whippowil's, that mournful float 

In answers clear from hUl to glen ; 
And hooting owl's discordant call, — 

And tramping of their noble steeds. 
As 'neath the footstep, scattered fall 

Rich creeping vines, flowers, mountain weeds. 

But now, more careful need they thread 
Uncertain mazes, mountain way, 



P E L A Y O . 79 

Through gorge, o'er rocks with cautious tread, 

That oft-times in their pathway lay ; 
For nought of earth beams always fair, — 

The smooth and rough, the dark and light. 
Of good and ill alike to share, — 

The glorious day and shadowed night. 
More careful too, the prince, I ween. 

Of that sweet flow'ret by his side, — 
. Anxious from every ill to screAi 

His wandering lamb, his mountain bride ; 
Who droops no more — inspired by hope. 

And love, and freedom's wild-wood air, 
Bright, bravely now with all to cope. 

That falleth to the trav'ler's share ; 
As through the brush they wend their way. 

Or deep ravine, in shadows hid 
Of rocky spire and boulder gray 

Looming as tower or pyramid ! 

Twining their path the stream along. 
Which, from the mountain top and hills. 

With sparkling smile and winning song. 
Gathers her playmate springs and rills. 

When mingling in one mazy dance. 
Wilder and wilder still they leap, — 



80 P E L A Y O . 

O'er mossy rock and wild-vine glance 

And 'bove the splintered bowlder steep ; 
While louder, fiercer grows the roar, 

As bounding on they frenzied go, 
Till leaping, whirling, down they pour 

All madly, in the gulf below : 
But, from this depth, find outlet still. 

Pure rills, that down the mountain stray ; 
With gentle, sweetly murmuring trill 

Along her mossy slopes to play ; 
Blending again with each fair stream. 

That so adorns Spain's glowing land. 
On which bright eyes and moonbeams gleam 

At dewy eve, 'mid breezes bland ; — 
As one, his course of pleasure passed. 

From youth's fresh spring, through streamlets 
mild. 
To torrents' seething gulf at last, 

Would turn him from the vortex \rild. 
Again to seek the Light Above 
In " pleasant ways " of truth and love ; 
Passing from " troubled waters' " strife 
To purer waves of peaceful life. 
On gently flowing, happy tide, 
Adown the stream of life to glide, 



P E L A Y O . 81 

To reach at length the Heav'nly shore, 
Where glory's waves roll evermore. 
Now following the brooklet's way, 

Up, up the mountain path they wind 
Through dark defile, where not a ray 

Of entrance may the moonlight find ; — 
So deep, so shadowed dense with trees 

Of pine and cedar, birch and oak. 
That, save when rude winds raised the breeze, 

Scarce e'er a ray of sunshine broke. 
Louder and louder still the sound 

Of waters, as they upward tend ; 
Until, at length, their course is bound 

By that deep gulf, that doth defend 
Their garrison from ev'ry foe. 

Or even friend, until the bridge 
Be thrown, with care, above its flow, 

And firmly knitted o'er the ridge. 

Guards, bold and true, are stationed here. 

And warder, ready for alarm. 
To whom Count Pedro breathes in ear 

The magic word, the pass-word charm — 
And, presto^ bridge of oak, most strong, 

And closely knit, hangs o'er the deep I 



4* 



82 P E L A Y O . 

While anxious guides tlie prince along 

His precious charge, from steep to steep. 
Fluttered her heart with terror wild, 

So fearful, in the dead of night, 
To that sweet palace-nurtured child. 

That deep ravine, which torches' light 
Brings out so dark and frightfully, 

'Mid angry roar of waters near, — 
How closely clingeth now doth she, 
• That fragile vine, to him so dear ! 
'Tis passed ! they're o'er ! portcullis fled ! 

And all stands quiet as before. 
As if by wizard-charm thence sped, 

As told in magic tales of yore ! 
A phantom bridge, scarce seen, when gone ! 

But crossed by no mere phantom band ; 
For yon they slowly pass along — 

And here her guards, all mortal, stand ! 

Fainter and fainter comes the roar 
Of rushing torrent to them now. 

As wind they up the pebbly shore 
Of merry stream, where elders bow, 

And playful in its waters toss 

Each berried branch of purple hue. 



P E L A Y O . 83 

To sprinkle o'er rich banks of moss, 

In swaying breeze, their pilfered dew. 
Its margin, fringed with fern and brake. 

With bush of hazel, quince, and vine, 
That spreading o'er the ilex, make 

Fair elfin bowers, in soft moonshine. 
Above, through beech, and giant oak. 

Their roots in rocky beds firm set, 
Her slanting beams alternate broke, 

As bending to the winds they met 
And kissed, and twined in fond embrace 

Their waving arms, — then, in coy play. 
Retreat, return, reinterlace. 

To sweep with bounding spring away. 

How gleam, in startled winged flight, 

Those darting swarms of sparkling flies ! 
Glancing as diamond lamps of night. 

Or fickle beam from maiden's eyes ! 
But now emerge they from the glen. 

Through grove of chestnuts gentle rise. 
To pass along, all joyous, when 

The purple heath before them lies, 
^hile full the moon again looks down. 

Cheering them on with radiant smile, 



84 P E L A Y O . 

Without one angry, low'ring frown 

Of bowlder wild, or rock's defile. 
But, as nought bright without alloy, 

She cannot light them alway clear ! 
Brief time is there for moonlight joy, 

For forest dense again they near ; — 
But glimpses have they still, I ween. 

Of softened brightness, yet to cheer, 
Falls, now and then, a ray of sheen, 

Speaking of cheering brightness near ; — 
A brilliant, glowing Orb of Love, 

As " Central Light," — a light to shine. 
As God, the merciful, above, 

Who sheds on all His Love Divine, 
To guard and bless through every horn*, 

Of pleasure bright, of grief and shade ; — 
WTien summer's bloom, and winter's lower,- 

A light and hope to never fade. 

Blest consolation ! happy they. 

Who, in a God of Love, e'er trust ! 

Who make His mercy sure, their stay 
And feel, imtil consigned to dust 

His shelt'ring arm will still sustain, 
His mercy soften every woe, 



PELAYO. 85 

His kindness soothe each grief and pain 
Till freed from earthly thrall below ; 

That He will guard imto the goal 
Of Heav'nly light, of bliss and joy, 

Where perfect rest finds wearied soul, — 
Glory and peace without alloy ! 

Then, trusting faith and heart, we'll give 

To Him, the AU-Powerftil God and wise, 
While in His sunbeams we may lie, 

And to His glorious kingdom rise 
In angel brightness, free from sin. 

From selfishness, deceit, or hate ; — 
I^ought baleful enters there within 

The Bright Abode,— the " Pearly Gate ! " 
But peace, and love, and charity, 

And kindly heart to each and all 
Must bear we true, — and gentle be 

To those who err, or sinning fall. 
That, as our Saviour looked upon 

The hapless child of grief and woe. 
We, too, may all self-glory shun. 

And pity, while we mercy show, 
And soothe and bind the wounded heart, 

Sad drooping 'neath the ills of life ; 



86 P E L A Y O . 

For know we not the wiles, or art, 

That made that spirit error rife ! 
And know we less our own weak souls, 

Ne'er tried by strong temptation's power. 
On which no wave of trouble rolls, 

No trials dark, bewildering lower. 
Why ! what are we — to judge, condemn 

The weakness of another's way, 
The errors of our fellow men. 

When sin we too, from day to day ! 
And if ice love nor mercy show, 

How may we ask it from above ? 
And trust e'er bliss or Heav'n to know 

Where Love sole reigns, and " God is Love ! " 

Thus mused the prince, in placid mood. 

In harmony with all things now ; — 
His heart, by Love's sweet power subdued, — 

'Neath her pure influence full to bow. 
And smiling on his heart's dear flower. 

He whispered soft, " O tyrant fair ! 
Who boldest me in thy loved power. 

Thy chains, forevermore, I bear ! 
Escaped, in part, from prison wall. 

Still must my spirit captive be, 



TEL AY O 



87 



Environed close in love's sweet thrall, 

Whose gyves forever fetter me ! 
O blessed fetters ! rosy chain ! 

Ne'er would I loose one silken link, 
But, in loved bondage, e'er remain,— 

Thus, from his chalice, nectar drink ! " 
And pressing fondly to his lip 

Her precious, tiny, lily-palm,— 
" What though I cup of sorrow sip, — 

Here have I antidote and balm ! 
A Lethe sweet to drown all care, 

A gleam of Heaven on earth, most bright. 
An angel-love, mine heart to share, — 

A star, to light my darkest night ! 
My life 1 my love ! my blossom fair ! 

My crown of jewels, set in gold ! 
So rich with virtues bright and rare ! 

3Iy lamb ! to rest within my fold ; 
Enfolded in these arms' caress. 

Enshrined in my heart's deep cells. 
Mine angel-love ! to brightly bless ! 

Toward whom my grateful love so wells !— 
Lord, make me worthy of Thy gift ! 

This gem, from out Thy casket rare ! 
And deign my soul more pure to lift 
While this great blessmg I may share ! " 



88 P E L A Y O . 

" N"ay, nay, mine only love ! " she sighed, 

" Unworthy I, such praise of thine ; 
Thou takest but an earthly bride, 

O'er full of faults ; — and as that vine 
Needs pruning here and guidance there, 

For true, unerring, upward way. 
Full much need I thy loving care 

To guide or shield, each passing day. 
But, leaning, clinging, fond and true. 

As that frail, trembling, forest vine, 
I turn alone, my love ! to you. 

E'er happy in thy love to shine ! " 

Tortuous still the path they chose. 

Through dell and grove, o'er heath and hill ; 
Higher and higher yet it rose. 

E'er winding with the murm'ring rill ; 
While pensively the stars look down. 

As angels' eyes upon their way ; 
As angels bright, when sorrows frown, 

Fond, constant guard through darkest day. 

Oh ! could we hnow those whom we love. 
Torn from us here and borne away. 

Truly, oh ! truly from above 

May come, to cheer our darkened day ! 



P E L A Y O . 89 

Could we be sure they love us stiU 

As when on earth, so true and fond, 
Softened would be each grief and ill. 

And Hope with joy would look beyond 
To that blest realm, where, joined again. 

In purest raptures, holy thrill. 
The loved, united should remain, — 

How deep would be the joy to fill, 
And soothe, and bless the breaking heart, 

All crushed and desolate with woe, — 
To Tcinow that loving souls ne'er part. 

But ever in fond union flow ! 

Why not ? Doth God, the " God of love," 

Implant that germ within the soul 
To perish in His courts aboA^e ? 

Liveth it not beyond the goal ? — 
In those fair realms beyond the sky, 

Whose monarch rules supreme in love. 
Shall love fraternal, filial, die ? 

Wither conjugial love above ? 
Oh no ! it may not, cannot be ; — 

That purest, holiest germ Divine 
Must live through all eternity ! 

Forever, brightly blooming, shine ! — 



90 P E L A Y O . 

Each gleam of fond affection's ray 

Must beam througli realms more fair and 
bright, 
Till blend all in one glorious day, 

Blest by the Central Sun of light ! 

How fraught that lonely, silent way 

With food for contemplation deep ! — 
In solemn night, the spii'it's sway 

Doth over all material sweep ; 
Lifted the soul to higher strain. 

Attuned to purer, holier chord ; — 
Seem earthly joys and cares, how vain. 

When drawn unto our Heav'nly Lord ! 

So journey they through night along, 

Li pensive meditation all ; 
Still, sweetly, notes of bulbul's song 

Li richly liquid cadence fall ; 
And oft the startled black-bird sprang, 

Flutt'ring from out the bush in fright. 
With cry of fear that shrilly rang. 

Breaking the stiUness of the night. 
And many a lonely, weary mile 

They travel on, with cautious pace. 



P E L A Y O . 91 

Threading the path where moonbeams smile 
Through branches old, that mterlace, 

And cast their grotesque shadows, strange, 
In forms that Fancy quaintly views, 

As thus, in her xmfettered range, 
In mazy dreams prose-life they lose. 



CAl^TO III. 

But lo ! again those lights appear 

Which early met our wand'rers' sight, 
"When, at the mountain's base, with fear 

And awe, they gazed upon its height. 
When Don Theodmir from his side 

A silver bugle raised, to sound 
A note that rings all far and wide, 

Echoing throughout the forest round ; 
When, o'er the sighing of the breeze, 

Above the rustling of the stream. 
Come, borne on winds that stir the trees 

A distant hum, a shout, a scream 
Of human voices, mingling all. 

From treble shrill to full bass note, 
That higher, louder rise and fall. 

Clearer and nearer still to float ! 
While tossing, waving torches flame, 

And thick'ning masses rushing come 



P E L A Y O . 93 

With joyous shout and wild acclaim, 
To welcome royal wand'rers home ! 

And with impatient, swiftest speed 
A swarming mass come hast'ning near, 

All orderless, with none to lead, 
Joining in wild, tumultuous cheer ! 

With fond, united rev'rence, round 

Li homage bend they to our Pair ; 
When one full shout doth wide resound, 

Of " Welcome to the Brave and Fair ! " 
And " three times three " doth echoing ring, 

Throughout the mountain clear ; 
With " Yiva ! welcome to our king ! 

Pelayo ! chieftain dear ! " 
When, circling round them still more close. 

And ranging all in order grave, 
A welcome chorus full arose 

Heart-felt, unto the Fair and Brave ! 

WELCOME. 

Hail ! Pelayo, chief and king ! 
Loudly let the welkin ring 
With fond welcome ! hail ! viva ! 
Leon's prince ! and Seville's star ! 



94 P E L A Y O . 

Sun of glory ! soon to rise, 
"With tJiy star^ 'mid brighter skies ! 
Star of morn ! that heralds day, 
Cheering now our clouded way ! 

Star of beauty ! thus art thou 
Welcome to Auseva's brow ; — 
Welcome, chieftain ! welcome, bride ! 
To our shelt'ring mountain side. 

Welcome ! from true vassals all, 
Welcome fond, from great and small. 
Welcome ! prince, our chief and king, 
Joyous welcome now we sing ! 

Peace thou bringest with thy dove — 
Peace will fold her wings of love. 
Over cross and country bright, — 
Thou, our Sun ! dispelUng night 

With her clouds of dusky hue. 
Swarthy Moslems, from our view. 
Till the Crescent crumbling lies 
Where our Cross shall glorious rise! 



P E L A Y O . 95 

Welcome then to Fair and Brave ! 

Joyous welcome sing we all— • 
Prince ! our cross and land to save ! 

Blessings on thee ever fall ! 

Grandsires, warriors bend the knee, 

Infant hands uplifted are, 
Praying blessings bright on thee, 

Royal king ! and bride-queen fair ! 

Let the welkin ring 
O'er rock, and hill, and valley, 

Borne on zephyi-'s wing, 
While round our chief we rally. 

Gayly, joyous sing, 
From loving hearts' deep fountain, 

Welcome ! bride and king, 
To freedom and our mountain ! 

All fondly sung that welcome lay, 

In merry strain, and blithely gay. 

While pure, sweet tones of child-like note 

Above that chorus clearly float. 

Rising o'er voices of the band. 

As cherub-tones from Blessed Land I — 



96 P E L A Y O . 

A bird-like voice of liquid ring, 

In " welcome to the queen and king." 

When marked our Fair a lovely youth, 

A boy of tender year, 
With brow of innocence and truth. 

And eye of lustre clear : 
Luxuriant locks of raven hue, 

And face of classic mould ; 
A child of beauty, rare to view — 

A mimic warrior bold ! 
Count Pedro's son, and hope, and heir — 
A bud of richest promise fair, 
Alphonse, by name, who, on our bride 
Fixed earnest gaze, — close by her side, 
With kindling cheek and eye to stand 

In rev'rent, loving joy, — 
A blossom bright, amid the band. 

That lovely, fearless boy ! 
A young Adonis seems he there. 

As o'er his brow, full, broad, and white, 
Float lightly curls of silken hair 

Upon the rising breeze of night ; 
While clear his silv'ry treble voice 
Rings sweetly, " Welcome ! hail ! rejoice ! " 
His paean to the royal pair. 
In glad ovation bearing share. 



P E L A Y O . 97 

Smileth proud, Count Pedro there, 

Upon his precious child ! 
Smileth fond, the mother fair. 

The Lady Constance mild ; 
While raised the sire in full heart pride, 

The elfin palm of that pure child. 
And bending to the royal bride. 

Thus courteous spake, in accents mild : — 
" Fair ladye queen ! all beauteous mine ! 
Here offer I unto thy shrine. 
My best heart's blood, my pride ! my joy ! 
In this, my noble hero-boy ! 
With love to serve and tend thee e'er. 
In all that falls to page's share ; 
And yet, anon, if need there be. 
To raise his faithful arm for thee ! " 

Bright smiled Alphonse, and clear replied, 
" r faith I will, sweet ladye bride ! 
And as the dew unto the flower, 
I'd be to thee from this dear hour," — 
Then kissed the hand extended there 
To fond caress his forehead fair ; — 
While silv'ry clear her voice was heard. 
As sweetest tone of forest-bird, — 



98 P E L A Y O . 

" Ay ! as the dew-drop to tlie rose, 
That fond her breast opes to enclose 
The pure, refreshing gem of light. 
Beauteous, and gladd'ning to the sight, 
So, with kind thanks, Don Pedro, we 
Will ever shelter lovingly. 
In fond heart-fold, thy blossom bright. 
Bestowed, received in love this night." 

Exclaimed the prince, — " N"ow, by my rood ! 
In sure, brief time, all fair and good. 
We'll knight thee, boy, with honors bright ! — 
Thou ' dew-gem ' ! to our queen of light ! " 

" Thanks, royal sire ! " replied the boy, 
" And I will prove no carpet-toy. 
But, in thy battles, mayhap, fight. 
And bravely earn my honors right ! " 

Proud, standing by her palfrey there, 
Remains he near his mistress fair. 
While smile the mother, sisters, all. 
At knightly pride in one so small ! 
In royal pagedom's service pressed. 
As favored child henceforth caressed. 



P E L A Y O . 99 

To bide near Zillah's presence bright, 
As tiny guard, or elfin-knight. 
And well he loved his ladye fair. 
Serving with zeal and earnest care ; 
And well Pelayo joyed to see 
That child-boy's love and bravery. 

Now gath'ring round, as children fond. 

They leading, escort, cheering on. 
Unto a grove, that lies beyond. 

With bounding step, vivas ! and song. 
Stately the trees of elm and beech. 

Entwined with vines that mantling spread, 
And in festooning garlands reach 

From tree to tree, with pendants red. 
Purple, and green, and blossoms fair. 

All clust'ring rich, to form a bower 
Of loveliness and beauty rare. 

Where Nature weaves her wond'rous power ! 
Sweet as the breeze from Araby, 

The odors breathing from their flowers. 
Whose blossoms fall from vine and tree, 

In rosy, snowy, perfumed showers, 
Sprinkling the mossy carpet green 

With silken leaves of richest hue, 



100 P E L A Y O . 

In varied forms of floral sheen, 

As fall they, bathed in evening dew. 

A Druid grove it seemeth fair ! 

So strangely beautiful and wild, 
Where mystic orgies might hold share. 

As moonbeams brightly glancing smiled. 
For, in the centre of this grove, 

A circle rich of bay trees rose. 
Through which the laurel graceful wove, 

And thus, all strangely, did enclose 
A rock, that altar blest might seem. 

Draped fair with moss and twining vine. 
While o'er its side a tiny stream 

Came trickling down in crystal line ; 
Richly arrayed with lilies white — 

Ne'er was cathedral, grandly fair, 
So lovely graced with altar bright. 

As that decked for our regal pair ! 

Lo ! on that altar, standeth there 
The Holy ArJc ! that blest doth bear 
Most wond'rous " relics ! " happ'ly saved 
By Urban, bishop loved, who braved 
Fierce peril dire, — when tocsin bell. 
And '-'-Lelie <yry^''* and " Techir yell^'' 

* The Faith-crv of the Moors. 



P E L A Y O . 101 

Told that Toledo's glory bright 
Had fallen to the sons of night ! 
When her cathedral's cross lay low, 
Beneath the tread of Moslem foe, 
With holy forethought, while all fled, 
Quick to his sacred altar sped. 
Her precious " Relics " blest, to spare 
From impious profanation's share ; 
Bearing them to Asturia's breast, 
Within her shelt'ring fold to rest. 

And in that ark, old legends say, 

" Mementos marvellous did lay ! " 
Pieces, (they say it is most true,) 

Are plainly seen to " favored view," 

Of holy cross our Saviour bore ! 

The garment last on earth He wore ! 

The ground His sacred feet had pressed ! 

The kerchief, " Sudoria," blest ! 

Wherein His sacred head was bound. 

Stained, blood Divine! from brow thorn-crowned! 

The " blessed bread " His hand once broke ! 

St. Ildophonse's holy " cope ; — " 

Of sacred Bible, leaves Divine 

From Holy Saints, with " pledges " line 

Its sacred sides ; — whose outer part 

Is curious lain, with ancient art, 



102 P E L A Y O . 

In silver, gilt, all richly fraught, — 

With twelve Apostles quaintly wrought. — 

In bas relief those sides rare traced 

" Our Ladye's " history — silver chased. 

A crucifix, engraved in gold, 

Upon its cover all behold, — 

With Latin lines, four, plainly found, 

In silver letters graved around. 

And farther still, hath History told, — 

That on this rock a cross of gold, 

From Heav'n, by angel hands, was lain. 

In blessing to brave sons of Spain ! 

A cross, carved from an aged oak. 

Twined close with lilies, pure arose 
From that rock-altar, and awoke 

Thought of our Saviour and His woes. 
Oh ! what the sorrows of each son. 

Compared with His, of suff'ring Spain, 
Who, crucified, our vict'ry won, — 

And for our sins, — was martyr'd ! slain ! 

With loving kindness now doth stand 
Bishop Centerio by our bride. 

Bending, to raise her lily hand. 

And bear her from the palfrey's side. 



P E L A Y O . 103 

While gather round, fond maidens fair, 

Who lead unto a myrtle bower. 
To wreathe her silken, sunny hair 

With sweet buds of the orange flower. 
A tissue robe envelops now 

Her beauteous form in silv'ry sheen, — 
A maiden pure, to take her vow 

Of heart and hand — fair beauty's queen ! 
An angel bright, for Heav'nly vow ; — 

Veiled in transparent folds of light, 
Floating, confined upon her brow 

With one sweet bud — a Hly white. 

As " Graces three " seem bride-maids fair, 

Count Pedro's daughters, draped in white, 
While maiden friends bear loving share 

In vestal train,—" liege-ladyes " bright.— 
And shine in contrast, raven eyes, 

Wherein a world of witch'ry lies, 
With Sovereign Ladye's orbs of blue. 

Where Heav'n's light of love beams through. 

Now draws Centerio near, to bless 
This sweetest lamb of all his flock ; — 

Matron and maiden fond caress, 
And lead her to the altar-rock. 



104: P E L A Y O . 

That rock, her truth, is all as strong ; 

As pure her spirit, as the stream 
Which silv'ry runs its sides along 

So brightly in the moonlit gleam. 
And pure and lovely as the flower 

That decks the moss-grown altar fair, 
She stood within that forest-bower, 

Of nature's works most choice and rare ! 
Glancing, the moonbeams sweetly fell 

With tender love upon her face, 
As angel smiles, that fain would dwell 

Forever, on such earthly grace. 

Rich, too, in every noble grace. 

The royal bridegroom gazed with pride 

And welling love upon the face 

Of his all-beauteous, mountain bride ! 

Without the border of the grove. 

The multitude, all rev'rent, stand ; 
And, in the circle, lattice wove 

Of richest vines, — their noble band. 
And in that chancelled sanctum small. 

With laurel, bays, encircled, now 
Stand bride and groom, fair maidens all, 

With priests and friends, for nuptial vow. 




And tl\*Mv. in c;<«/".v catlnMii-al irrMixl. 
Limited liy inyriiid stars <in hi-h. 
linanhMl by Anir.'ls pure wcMl stand. 
(Mir canoii^. the isl 



(.us skv 



P E L A Y O . 105 

By Tvdld torch-light and moon's last smile, — 
For wanes she now as day draws near, — 

Seems all, more as enchanter's wile 
Than aught of real might appear ! 

In solemn silence hushed is all. 

Save but the rippling of the stream, 
And night-bird's note, or stray leaf's fall, 

While peeping stars, soft, twinkling beam. 
Hushed is all sound, when, full and clear, 

The holy bishop's voice doth now 
Arise, to join that twain so dear. 

In sacred, loving, marriage-vow. 

Oh ! what a grand and goodly sight 

That group within the circlet screen ! 
Grove, altar, priests, " liege-ladyes " bright, 

Bride, royal groom, — a fairy scene ! 
"With warriors, vassals, — torches glow ; 

And far in east a glimm'ring ray 
Of dawn appears, just tinging low. 

Horizon clear, with promised day. 

And rituals are solemn done, — 
The holy rites are uttered now, — 

6* 



106 



PEL A YO. 

And God hath joined that j^air as one, 

While by the altar low they bow ; 
And ev'ry form, within, without 

Those circles, bends in earnest prayer, — 
When all arise, — while one clear shout 

Of rapture fills the morning air 
For bride and groom ! their king and queen I 

But lo ! behold yon omen bright ! 
Glowing in eastern skies, is seen 

Aurora, rising, bathed in light ! 
Smiling from out her vapory bed, 

All blushing rich in rosy glow, 
While glistening dew-drops radiance shed 

O'er tree and shrub and flower, below. 
Slowly, gray shadows pass away, — 

Vanish the mists from mountain side, 
As glorious Morn leads in the day, 

With all her gorgeous pomp and pride ! 

And brightly beam the radiant eyes 

Of our brave prince, with love and pride, 

Secure, now, of his blessed prize, — 
The lovely being by his side ! 

Brief time hath he to whisper low, 

" Mine ! mine alone ! — ^my life ! my bride ! 



rELAYO. 107 

Come now to me, or weal or woe, 
Thy love will brighten darkest tide ! " 

Ere fond epithalamiums ring, 

Nobles and vassals bearing share, — 

In Kuptial Lay to gayly sing 
Their blessing on the Royal Pair. 

EPITHALAMIUM. 

God bless our King and Queen ! 

Spaniards' glory proud ! — 
Bright now the silv'ry sheen 

Lineth our dark cloud ! 

Glancing in cheering ray, 

Fair, hopeful gleaming, — 
O'er sad and darkened way, 

Joyously beaming ! 

Lo ! now Aurora bright ! — 

Roseate dawning ! 
So fadeth gloomy night — 

Glorious, our morning ! 

God bless our Royal Bride ! 
Star ! heav'nly seeming ! 



108 P E L A T O . 

Rising o'er stormy tide, 
Radiant "beaming ! 

God save our Prince and King ! 

Leave him, oh ! never ! 
Soon may the psean ring, — 

Victory forever ! 

God bless our Royal Chief! 

Brave Pelayo, King ! 
Hastening to our relief, 

While the wild woods ring. 

Hail ! to our Queen and King ! 

Evermore to reign 
O'er hearts that joyous sing 

Viva ! Loved of Spain ! 

Kow bear they forth a rustic throne 
Of osier vines, close interwove, — 

With flowerets white, pure overstrown, 
Which place they in the sanctum grove 

Before that bay-crowned altar, where 

Are standing groom and bride, so fair, 

Awaiting farther holy rite 

Than that which heart and hand may plight ;- 



PEL A YO 



109 



High mass, and coronation yet, 

And Vow for Spain — none may forget — 

Nor feast, or merry bridal ring 

Ere rm-al crowned their Queen and King. 

How decked was all in Beauty's hght ! 

Breathing of naught but Nature's power ; 
As if the wand of fairy sprite 

Had waved o'er all this sylvan bower ! 
Fair censers swung, of pomegran'te. 

Scooped from their rinds of crimson hue. 
Exhaling odors from each plant. 

Of fragrance, fresh with morning dew. 
Enchanted spot ! where Fays court hold, 

For brave and fair, 'twixt Heav'n and earth ! 
As Moslem's fancy doth behold 

His " Prophet " till celestial birth :— 
By God and all good angels blest, — 

A sainted spot, nearest to Heaven, — 
A sanctuary and peaceful rest 

So kindly to Spain's scattered given, 
To shield and guard them from the foe. 

To fill their minds with holy thought 
That softens every earthly woe, — 

Sole balm for bosoms, sorrow fraught. 



110 PELATO. 

Again the chant, again the prayer, 

And coronation rites are said : 
"Now laurel wreaths, and green bay fair 

Twine o'er pure brow — and royal head ; 
While friars grave, and maidens bright. 

Lead there unto the forest throne 
Spain's lawful King and Queen of light, 

Whose beauty as the morning shone ! 
And friars, elder still, advance, 

Bishop) Urbino at their head. 
With solemn chant and Heav'n-ward glance, 

To bend before the newly wed. 
Placing within the royal hand 

A sceptre, formed from branches three, 
A triune-wrought, symbolic wand. 

Twined from bay, olive, and oak tree ; — 
Of firmness, valor, peace to tell, — 

Admonishing, e'er silently. 
To cherish all these virtues well. 

And rev'rence Holy Trinity ; — 
And over-twined with lilies white. 

Whose purity should reign o'er all ; — 
Each royal deed be pure and bright ; 

That never stain of darkness fall. 
To sully, or disgrace the name 

Of Spain's Great Ruler, evermore. 



PELAYO. Ill 

That alway shall resound with fame 
Of virtues rare, from shore to shore. 

Then cried Centerio, loud and clear, 

" Spaniards ! behold your Chief and King ! 
Swear ye to him allegiance dear, 

Until your souls for Heav'n take wing ? " 
All bending low, with close-crossed arms. 

As one full voice, — " We swear," arose, 
" For us, our seed, to guard from harms. 

E'er faithful serve, destroy his foes. 
And loyal prove to this our king. 

Our country, and her faith, so dear, — 
Untiringly his war-cry ring 

Till risen Spain in splendor clear ! " 

Fluttered fair maids, as dove-lets round, 

While Gomez, faithful Gomez, stood 
Near his dear master. King now croT\Tied ! 

With standard, shield, and bright sword good ; 
And close beside his ladye-queen, 

Alphonse, the cherub child, 
With upraised brow, is constant seen. 

And eyes that fondly smiled. 
As Cupid imto Venus bright 

Nestling with loving joy. 



112 P E L A Y O . 

Clipt of his wings, the saucy wight ! 
Appears that lovely boy. 

O'er royal heads, in graceful fold, 

And forming background, crimson bright, 
Droop banners, that in days of old. 

Have floated high through bravest fight ! 
Placing within the lily palm 

Of his loved Queen, the sceptre-wand. 
The King, in tones clear, fond, and cahn, 

Addressed her thus ; — " In thy dear hand 
I place this sceptre, fair and pure, 

Queen of my heart, my throne, and land ! 
As pledge of love and fealty sure. 

Of us, and of our noble band, 
To whom I now proclaim thee Queen, 

Alike of throne, and Spain, as heart ; 
For regal homage, full, I ween, 

My Queen must share an equal part." 

Descending then from rural throne. 
Toward the centre of the grove. 

Unto a rock, with moss o'er-grown. 
He, kneeling, raised his eyes above, 

In humble, ardent, silent prayer 

That God would aid him well to keep 



PELAYO. 113 

The vow that soon must rise through air 

To Heav'nly reahns, — that he might reap 
Laurels most pure, from duty clone 

In sternest sense, — in ev'ry deed ; — 
Willing to fall for victory won, — 

For cross and country, nobly bleed. 
Deep silence reigned throughout the crowd, 

As that heart-prayer arose on high. 
While, kneeling, all assembled bowed. 

And brighter gleamed the eastern sky, — 
As if it beamed with angel smile. 

Of joy, for aspiration given. 
From noble souls, true, free from guile, — 

Pm-e, holy prayer ! that wings to Heaven ! 

Arose Centerio, and drew nigh 

The king, to place within his hand 
An oaken cross, which raised he high. 

Then rev'rent kissed, — while bowed the band. 
When grave, Urbino's voice arose : — 

" King ! hoped salvation of our land ! 
Deliv'rer of thy people's woes ! 

Chief of our brave and stalwart band ! 
Sole heir now to thy country's throne ! 

We look alone to thee, and God, 



114 P E L A Y O . 

To still Spain's suff'ring, anguished moan, 

And save the land our fathers trod ! 
Protect her from the spoiler's hand, 

Throw off the despot, tyrant-yoke. 
Raise up her enslaved, trampled band ; 

And not until her chains are broke. 
Give rest or slumber to thy soul. 

As we, with thee, now swear to do. 
Until the light of Freedom's goal 

We all attain, Spain rise anew ! — 
In victory all glorious fair 

In victory all shining bright ; 
Till victory's shout shall rend the air, 

And Peace descend in robes of light. 

" Dost vow thy country's wrongs to right ? 

Dost swear to work, through weal and woe, 
To save her honor purely bright ? 

To die, or crush the invading foe ? 
Swear'st thou to shield her welfare e'er. 

Protect her from each foreign foe ; 
Her suff 'rings and her grief to share. 

Until released from every woe ? 
Bravely to fight, and bleed, and fall, 

If need be, in her glorious cause, 



PELAYO. 115 

E'er ready for her rights to call, — 

Ne'er in thy duty stern, to pause ? 
Righteous to govern, — each pure law 

Well based on equity and love ; 
To guard against each unjust flaw, 

And serve thy God who reigns above ? 
And Him alone, in purity. 

The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
Until His Heav'nly Courts to thee 

Shall opened be, resigned thy post 
As earthly monarch ? — when this sound 

Shall cause thy heart with joy to thrill, — 
' Weighed in the balance, faithful found ! ' 

Drink thou from Heav'nly-flowing rill. 
Freely and fully, of the joy 

Celestial that the faithful share, — 
Angelic draughts, Avithout alloy ! — 

Behold thy Father's Kingdom fair ! " 

Thus spake th' archbishop, when replied 
The king, in accents firm and clear : — 

" Father ! my country's woes have cried 
Long, loud, and high, from far and near, 

And base were he, Spain's meanest son. 
Who would not to her rescue fly. 



116 P E L A Y O . 

And bravely fight, nor danger shun, — 
For victory to fall, or die ! " 

Raised he again that cross on high, — 

As if inspired, his soul gushed forth ! — 
" Great God ! who to all prayer art nigh, 

Hear now, while plight we solemn troth ! 
Here do I dedicate to Spain, 

To Thee, and to our Queen, most dear, 
My sword, my soul, my life, each vein 

Of heart's best blood, nor faint or fear ; 
But lead, and fight with my good sword, 

Bravely and fearless to the end ; 
And with Thine aid destroy the horde ;— 

To chains, or " Eblis " * each slave send ! 
To raise again our fallen Spain, 

To wave aloft her Leon crest. 
And plant her banner broad again 

From Auseva to Ana west ! 
To govern and direct with love. 

And earnest seeking after right ; 
Thee serve alone, my God above ; — 

And seek to shield from error's night, 
My country's souls, and lead them e'er 

In pleasant paths of truth and peace, 
* Prince of Darkness. 



PELAYO. 117 

Of Wisdom's ways, that all may share, 
And comfort find, till earth-life cease." 

Again that oaken cross he raised. 

And to his lips devoutly pressed, 
Exclaiming, — " God, our Lord, be praised ! 

Record my vow — His angels blest ! 
What say ye, trampled sons of Spain ! 

Shall one lone vow be written there ? — 
Rise ye, in vengeance, for our slain ? 

Willing are ye, base yoke to bear 
Of the invading, impious crew. 

Who trample our dear cross in dust, 
Who hold that cross to scoffing view, 

And in Mahomet place their trust ? 
Shall we to foreign vultures yield, — 

Enslaved to eat our bitter bread ? 
Or, bravely will ye good-sword wield. 

By me, your King, e'er loving led ? 
Swear ye, now, vengeance on the foe ? 
Smite, will ye, the oppressor low ? — 
Offer ye all, here, with me now, 
To Heav'n, your free and solemn vow ? 
Swear ye, to strike for our loved cross, 

Our honor, and our native land ? 



118 P E L A Y O . 

And to revenge our brethrens' loss, — 

Our noble, martyred, slaughtered band ? — 
To league ne'er with th' accursed foe ? 

^N'e'er recreant prove to faith or law ? 
Ne'er rest from combat's strife to know, 

But ceaseless wage perpetual war, 
Until our dear and sullied land 

Be cleansed from each polluting foe. 
Raised every brave and valiant hand 

To fell the vile oppressor low ? 
To lift our glorious banner high ? 

Base blood to spiU for our brave slain ? 
And raise again the battle cry 

Of ' Santiago ! Vengeance ! Spain ! ^f " 

Aloft he raised the oaken cross. 

Gazing upon his stalwart band ! 
Then, kneeling on that rock of moss, 

Toward Heaven waved his outstretched hand ! 

As if his words had magic sound, 

Bent Ts as each knee, upraised each hand, 

"While swelled, as one full voice, around, 
The solemn vow of that brave band : — 

" Hear us, O God ! thy people, now, 
For us, and for our sons, we vow, 



P E L A Y O . 119 

To offer up our blood and life, 

If need be, in our freedom's strife ; 
To fight for all we hold most dear. 

Our faith, our country, and our king ; 
Never to falter, faint, or fear, 

But earnest battle song to sing. 
As Holocaust, all free to die 

For these, and for our brethren slain. 
While loud we raise the wild war-cry 

'jFbr Vengeance! Victory! and Spain!'' 
Aid Thou, O God ! and hear us now ! — 

May we not pray and strive in vain ! 
Receive our one united vow ! — 

Hear Leon ! Auria ! Heav'n ! and Spain ! " 
Then loud arose one cheering strain ! — 

Throughout the hills it ringeth round ! 
" Pelayo ! Victory ! and Spain ! " 

Reechoing to remotest bound 
Of mountain, forest, vaUeys all ! 
Again, again to rise and fall. 
As though that heart-united strain 
Thrilled through each pulse of suff 'ring Spain ! — 
As echoed back that " Vow for Spain^^"* 
Rolling o'er hills in fading strain, — 
With glory bright, the sun shone out ! 
When rose another ringing shout 



120 P E L A Y O . 

Of greeting to the god of day, 
Who thus burst forth with brilliant ray, — 
Bright harbinger of joy and love, — 
An omen fair from Heav'n above ! 
As fain he too would come, to cheer 
With hopeful light Spain's children dear ; 
And comfort her down-trodden band. 
With promised brightness to their land ! 
Beloved Spain ! who, through night-cloud 
Of swarthy Moslem, cries aloud 
For light and comfort from the skies. 
To raise her, ere she hopeless dies ! 

Look ! as that orb in splendor rolls 
His eastern way, and wings unfolds 
Of glorious brightness, how they fall 
Upon that cross ! as if to call 
Each eye and heart to view, with pride, 
That symbol, tow'ring on the side 
Of highest peak, in glory bright. 
Radiant with glances of God's light ! 

Again, again the mountain rang. 

Till from the copse the wild deer sprang ; 

Up rose the lark, to pinion poise, 

In terror at the wild'ring noise ! 



P E L A Y O . 121 

Casting one look of wild affright, 
While glittered from his wings, in light, 
Bright sparkling drops, as dew-gems shed. 
Pilfered from last night's grassy bed. 
Startled the owl from morning dream, 
To join her voice in clam'rous scream ; 
While full and clear the blackbird sang 
Her matin-vow, that merry rang. 
Trilled the wild streams, in rippling joy, 
Their liquid chant, in winding dance, 
With bord'ring vines and flowers to toy 

In sparkling smile, 'neath sunbeam's glance. 
Tossed high their heads in morning breeze. 

Old forest oaks, there tow'ring proud. 
Breaking their light and mist-crowned wreaths 

In waving joy, as they too vowed 
And wafted, toward the realm above. 

That oath which all of earth there niirh 
Seemed off 'ring, in fond, truthful love, 
To God, the Heav'nly Father high ; — 
While slow the mists rose from the side 

Of mountain, valley, hill, and dale. 
Soft, gently spreading, far and wide, 

Towai-d heaven, in floating, vapory veil. 
Advanced Urbino, with raised cross. 
And, kneeling, thus addressed his God : 



122 P E L A Y O . 

" Great Father ! who didst save the Lost 

And scattered Tribe who felt thy rod, 
Look down, we pray thee, on us now ! 

Pity our woes, and hear our call ! 
Receive thy children's offered vow, 

For victory and the Moslem fall ! 
Bless Thou our King, now chosen here. 

With wisdom, strength, to do all right ; 
Be Thou unto him ever near, — 

Surround him with TTiine angels bright. 
That Holy Influence may so blend 

With all his own high, noble power, 
That bravely, e'er, unto the end. 

He may endure, till brighter hour 
Effulgent, fair, on Spain shall dawn. 

And glory, reillumined, break. 
As beams to us this beauteous morn ! 

As glorious doth yon sun awake ! — 
Bless each and all assembled here. 

Our people sad throughout the land ; 
Protect their wives and children dear. 

With Thine all-powerful, gracious Hand ! " 

Gravely rising now from prayer, 
Benedictions solemn fall 



PELAYO. 123 



Over all assembled there, 
Royal — Noble — Warriors all. 
" Benedicat vos, 
Omnipote^is Deus^ 
Pater et Filius^ 
Et Spiritus Sanetus. 
Amen." 



CAETO lY. 

But turn we to our Lovers now, 

So joyous, beautiful, and true ! 
So blest, in mutual, loving vow ! 

To finish well this Eden view ! 
Soon, nobles lead, full time I ween. 

To Royal Cave, fair, wide, and vast, 
Where sumptuous bridal-feast hath been 

Prepared, to break their lengthened fast. 
Less than an arrow's flight, there grew 

Two lofty elms, whose limbs entwine. 
And, drooping, hide from casual view 

A spacious cave, whose porch, with vine 
Of eglantine and wild rose sweet. 

Was draped, festooned, most wondrous fair, 
Li graceful garlands rich to meet. 

And fill with fragrance all the air. 
Fronting these trees, a mossy green 

Sloped gently down, encircled quite 



P E L A Y O . 125 

With hazels, that, all shimm'ring seen. 

Formed grove of beauty, frcslily bright ! — 
Over their boughs' extended reach. 

Wild running vines, lithe spreading, threw 
Their tendrils to fair trees of beech. 

And thus a canopy o'er-grew, 
Pendent with fragrant blossoms white. 

With fruit, of crimson, purple hue, 
Gleaming as jewels clear and bright 

When sun-beams lighted them to view. 
And, in the centre of the green, 

A fairy fountain lulling played ; 
While, in a mimic pond, were seen 

Bright speckled fish, golden arrayed : — 
Fan- entrance to a fairy bower ! 

Now part the branches — raise the vine, — 
Put lovingly aside each flower, — 

And enter we this bridal shrine ! 

Oh ! wond'rous power of Nature's own ! — 

Hall after hall of marble white. 
Where clear stalactites pendent shone. 

Reflecting rainbow colors bright ! 
And suites of spacious chambers high, 

With fair boudoirs attached thereto, 



126 PELAYO. 

And domes, through which the azure sky, 
'Mid covert openings, sly peeped through ! 

All richly decked her court with flowers, — 

Filled natural vases with their charms, 
While at the porch and through the bowers 

Warbled sweet birds till evening calm. 
When Philomel, her mellow strain 
Enlinked in concord's dulcet chain, 
And harmony, throughout the wild. 
Continuous welled, till morning smiled ; 
When trilled again the lark his lay 
In matin chant to herald day. 
Until one anthem ceaseless rolled 
In praise to Him the God of Old, — 
From l^ature's choristers, that rang 

Their gushing joy from eve to morn, — 
From morn till eve, His praises sang. 

With midnight stars and morning dawn ; 
While cushat doves, with cooing tone 

Of hap2^y joy and love, had placed 
Their nests amid wild-roses grown 

Over the portal, blossom-graced. 

Busy had been each skilful hand 
Of artist, maid, and matron there. 



P E L A Y O . 127 

To deck that cave, fondly had planned 

To drape with taste and beauty rare 
Each hall, with every fragrant flower 

Breathing sweet odors all around, 
Where, fairest of this sylvan bower. 

The Sanctum of our Queen was found 
With niches, alcoves, natural-graced. 
Where mountain sculptors fondly placed 
Statue and vase, in idle hour. 
Wrought with exact artistic power, 
To please the fancy of their queen. 

To deck with works of art her bower. 
And beauties, ne'er in court-life seen. 

Of mountain's fairest vine and flower. 
The marble floor with heath o'erspread, 

Whose purple blossoms raised to meet 
With kiss of love her fairy tread. 

Exhaling fragrance richly sweet. 
And, in an alcove, osier couch 

Spread with the myrtle fresh, and thyme, 
And richest moss, that one might vouch 

With hidden eyes, was down most fine. 
And fleecy covering, soft and white. 

Culled from the flocks for their " Pet Lamb," 
Forced from her home to mountain flight, — 

Still guarded by the " Great I Am." . 



128 PELAYO. 

Nor lack they yet fine linen here, 

Or other needs of palace life ; 
For Inez, for her mistress dear, 

Had all their panniers filled, well rife. 
With comforts that the wild-wood ne'er 

Could substitute, or hope to find ; 
While Gomez, too, her zeal doth share, — 

Each striving, with deep interest kind, 
To soften every ill and care. 

To add each comfort in their power, 
And thus enable well to bear 

Her rustic life, their palace flower. 
Frescoed the walls with lilies white, 

Garlands of lilies draped around. 
Emblem of her pure spirit bright ; — 

While orange-buds and myrtle wound 
Each vase and statue, breathing fair 

Of bridal love and constancy. 
Which each to each should ever bear 

Through life — through all eternity. 

But look we in the vast saloon, 

Glitt'ring with all those rainbow drops 

How generous N'ature in this boon ! 
Who not alone at comfort stops. 



P E L A Y O . 129 

But decorates, to please the eye, 

With bright prismatic beauties rare, 
Her canopy, upraised on high. 

Above that table's sumptuous fare 
Of every game the mountain gave, 
Of every fish her waters lave. 
Gathered from all that mountain side. 
To grace the ' Board ' of King and Bride. 
Rich fruit from every bearing tree, 

Sweet berries from each bush and vine, 
With honey from the forest bee. 

And draughts of purest native wine ; 
Pomegranate, citron, peach, and pear. 
Bright cherries and acava fair. 
Orange and melon, fig and lime. 
All fruits and berries of that chme ; 
Nuts from the hazel, chestnut, beech, 
Almond and filbert, — ^berries each, — 
Straw, black, and raspberries from side 
And sunny height of mountain wide : 
Epagners, crowned with fruit and flower. 

Complete that table's ample spread ; — 
And must we not forget Spain's dower 

Of white and wholesome chestnut bread. 
6* 



130 P E L A Y O . 

Fell flashing rays on crystal drop, 

From sandal and sweet citron wood 
That burned within ^that fairy grot 

In marble cassolets ; — and stood 
Vassals, whose rods of clove illume, 

And wave an incense richly sweet, 
Pervading all with rare perfume, — 

Magnetic, — that the senses meet, 
And soothe to softest harmony 

All care, and ill, and passing woe, 
"While falls, as gentle minstrelsy. 

The lulling sound of water's flow. 

Raised at the banquet's head a seat 

All canopied with banners bright. 
While spread beneath, for royal feet. 

Were mats of moss and fleece of white. 
Hither were led the king and queen. 

Unto this cavern's banquet throne, 
Where, cynosure of that bright scene. 

Fair Zillah still most beauteous shone ! 
WTiile jasmine wreaths, and roses red. 

Entwined around stalactites clear. 
Drooping, in fragrance, o'er each head, — 

Oft kissing cheek and shoulder near. 



PELAYO. 131 

The monarch, noble, dignified, 

Apollo, — Mars, — to fancy seemed. 
Combined in one ; — search far and wide, 

A couple ne'er so perfect beamed 
Upon a fond and loving court, 

As this, our King and Queen of Spain ! 
While near, were placed Braves that had fought. 

Fair bride-maids, nobles of their train, 
Matron and priests — all gently born. 

Who cast away now far and wide 
All sorrow on this joyous morn, — 

Happy in their dear king and bride ; 
While toast and song, with merry glee. 

Fill up the measure full and high, 
Of pure and happy harmony,— 

While gayly flit the moments by 
In that strange mountain-cavern wild 

That ne'er had seen such feast before, — 
Graced by an Oread-nymph so mild, 

Whom all must love — and one adore ! 

And well, in truth, adored were she, — 

Fair as an angel pure to bless 
His life and home where'er to be, 

With all of woman's loveliness ! 



132 P E L A Y O . 

Those eyes so bright — of heaven's own hue, 

So sweet with love's confiding ray ! — 
His deep impassioned glance so true 

As though it ne'er could turn away 
From gazing e'er with welling bliss 

And heart-felt joy, ne'er known before, 
Upon such blessing, now all his. 

His, his alone, forevermore ! — 
O happy pair ! united now 

In holy love's fond plighted vow ! 
"Nov father, — rival, — e'er may part 

Or sever now, fond wedded heart. 
And all the brightness of that morn. 

Flower, bird, and streamlet rippling by, — 
Hill, dale, and valley, sunny lawn, — 

IS^aught, half so fair on mountain high, 
As that blest pair, — beaming with love ! 
All glorious light ! spark from Above ! 
Gleaming with soul-fraught flashes deep. 
Electric, wildly fond to sweep 
With thrilling rapture's holiest power, 
Fond hearts, in that gay bridal hour ! 

And glances flash from maidens' eyes 
Grey, black, and azure too, I ween ! 



PELAYO. 133 

On bravest knights, who may defy 

Aught else, but not such weapons keen, 
That i^enetrate all armor's show, 

Piercing bold hearts full deep and sure ! 
Conquering, ere yet its victim know, 

With wound most fatal, passing cure ! — 
But still, they fall not cowards there, — 

Return they freely Cupid's lire, 
"Wounding in turn the daring fair, 

As tones respond to full-struck lyre. 

Xo ! ne'er, I ween ! by night or day, 
That mountain shone one half so gay 
As now, with hearts and beauty bright. 
It beamed in joy and love's delight ! 
For sweetest harmony there crowned 

The scene, each spirit, and the hour ; — 
And as the buds there bloomed aroimd. 

Hearts opened to love's witching power ! 
And all is joy and ecstasy ! 

While melting, — martial songs resound. 
Until again all rise to see 

The Pledge for king and queen pass round ; 
When from the feast they turn away. 

Each free to seek his pleasure best ; — 



134 P E L A Y O . 

The loving, 'mid sweet groA es to stray, — 
The aged, to more quiet rest. 

And there were tender vows, I wis. 

Breathed 'neath the myrtle bowers that day, 
And fondest seal, in nectar kiss. 

With Cupid, monarch arch, to sway 
And thrill, amid the as23en trees, 
Sweet-hearts^ to quiver as their leaves, 
Touched by the power of his loved thrall, 
Till, conquered, they all willing fall. 
Gay, happy captives ! glad to lie 

In rosy bonds, — 'neath sweetest power ; 
Nor from these chains would ever fly, — 

Or ransomed be, by richest dower. 

How lovely, too, those moimtain maids ! 

As caged-birds loosed in forest-wild, — 
As Oreads bright, in green-wood shades. 

Or pure descended angels mild ! — 
And children sport in gayest mood 

All merrily, and filled with glee. 
There chasing up and down the wood 

Each butterfly and humming bee ; 
Or, frolicking young naiads seen 
In rivulets, 'mid broad leaves green ; — 



PELAYO. 135 

Laving their white and tiny feet 

In pebbly brooks, where Avild flowers sweet 

Dip, from their margins, in the breeze 

That bends their heads and sways the trees, 

Tossing each ringlet, sunny bright, 

Of cherub child, as elfin sprite. 

And friars pace by lonely way 

In holy meditation deep, 
Their breviary, and prayers to say, — 

Their sacred vigils e'er to keep. 
While huntsmen bold, fierce for the chase, — 

"Wind loud and clear the bugle horn, 
To seek, ere eve draws on apace, 

Fox, rabbit, deer, and bounding fawn ; 
And sportsmen, for light, feathered game, 

(As ran the taste, — ^less arduous toil), 
For pheasant, partridge, grouse, — till came 

Hour for return, laden with spoil. 
While minds more pensive, seek the stream, 

With hook and line, for angler's play, — 
For speckled fish, that darting gleam. 

Bright sparkhng, in the sunny ray. 
And groups are gathered, here and there. 

To list unto some legend old. 



186 PELAYO. 

Or ballad sung of maiden fair, 

Or tale of warrior bravely bold. 
Thus, " Dolce far niente^^ life 

They happy pass, all, light of heart, 
Regardless of the coming strife. 

In which each son must bear his part ; — 
For are they not all rallied now. 

With chief and king to lead again ? 
And has not Heaven received their vow 

To raise again their fallen Spain ? 
And Hope reigns brightly o'er each heart, — 

Hope sings again her cheering song 
That Victory shall be their part. 

And Peace smile on their kingdom long ! 

Where linger our loved bridal pair, 

Who, as the morning brilliant opes, 
Shed o'er each heart, their radiance fair 

" Couleur de rose " of blissful hopes ? — 
Too sacred, — deep with holy joy. 

Is their heart-love, so pure, I trow. 
To gaze therein with rude annoy 

For those who ne'er pledged nuptial-vow ; 
And those who have, may better tell 

From fond remembrance, — the deep thrill 



P E L A Y O . 137 

Of rapturous joy, that full did well, 
And all their bosom-pulses fill ! 

Apart they rove in fairy bowers, 

As Paradise, — Elysian bright ! 
On rosy pinions flit the hours, 

Till, in the west, now glows the light 
Of setting sun, in grandeur proud. 

Crimson, in rich fantastic shapes ; 
When, in their sanctum, — from the crowd. 

They list the note the bulbul wakes, 
As heralds she approaching night ; — 

And in that calm and sweet retreat. 
Glowing with Love's effulgent light. 

While rapturous their fond hearts beat, 
Speak they of happy future bright. 

When, Spain all free from Moslem foe, 

Naught in their course but love shall flow ! 

Sadly, they turn to sorrows sped, — 
Still fondly dwell on joys to come ; 

When, Discord with the Invader fled. 

Sweet Peace shall reign o'er all their home ; 

And Love, with fettered pinions, rest 
Li rosy chains, contented there, — 



138 PELAYO. 

So happy and supremely blest 

Ne'er could he dream of home more fair ; — 
Nor would they seek to roam from this 
Enchanted spot of sylvan bliss, 
Where all breathes of the Heaven above, 
And Nature smiles in joyful love. 
But, save their country's long felt woes 

Call for redress and vengeance sure. 
They'd shun all care a court-life knows. 

To pass their days 'mid scenes so pure. 

Fond breathed his soul its incense sweet, — 

The king, his happiness divine. 
As gazing in her blue eyes deep, — 

" Mine angel-bride ! mine ! only mine ! " 
Was still the burden of his lay, — 

" Oh ! is it then no dream divine 
To sadly fade, and pass away ? — 

And art thou. Love, forever mine ? 

" O blessed God ! I pray Thee now 
To make me worthy of the prize 

Thou gives t me in holy vow. 

My bride ! mine angel from the skies ! 

Teach me to guard and cherish e'er, 

As Thou wouldst wish, my precious flower ; 



P E L A Y O . 139 

Guard Thou ! I pray, with choicest care, 

And shield her, through each passing hour ! 
How may I thank Thee for the boon ! — 

How worthy prove of this great trust ! — 
I'll raise Thy Cross 'bove Crescent moon, 

The Moslem banner crush in dust. 
And all the foes of our dear faith 

Will scatter to the four winds wide, 
Of ' Prophet-creed,' leave not a wraith ! — 

And this were nothing, for my bride ! — 
"No recompense may e'er suffice 

To liquidate my Heavenly debt ! 
Thou seest the gratitude that lies 

In my soul's dej)ths ! ne'er to forget !— 
My ardent thanks shall e'er rise up 
From gratitude's o'er-flowing cup, — 
And this fond heart throb constantly, 
In ever-thankful love to Thee ! 

" May perfumes from all fairest flowers, 
May every breeze that floats on high, 

Breathe to Thee, of our happy hours ! 
Bear Thee each loving, grateful sigh ! 

May every dew-drop's sun-beam flight 
Bear glist'ning tears of joyful love 



140 P E L A Y O . 

From gratitude e'er glowing bright, 

Pure as the angels know Above ! 
Let now the bulbul speak to Thee 
In her sweet, liquid minstrelsy. 
Of my soul-gushing, grateful joy, 
My welling bliss, free from alloy ! 
May earth and air and sky and sea 
Sing one eternal song to Thee ! 
And thus my thanks outspoken be 
For this my bride Thou givest me ! 
Too deep my love, my joy, for speech ! — 
No words, my holiest feelings reach ! 
And tremble I, lest aU untrue 
This wondrous joy ! and from my view 
Thou float away — an angel bright, — 
Or fade, as some fair dream of night ; 
And waken I alone, to mourn ! 
Of all my fondest visions shorn ! 
Look on me. Love ! speak ! speak and smile ! 

Tell me thou art indeed mine own ! — 
My bride of earth ! — no myth, or wile, 

To pass and leave me, sad — alone ! " 
Fondly he pressed her to his breast, — 

Parted her tresses from her brow, — 
Again that brow, her lips, caressed : — 

" Thou art mine own ! I clasp thee now 



P E L A Y O . 141 

All palpable and human here ! 

Enfolded truly m these arms ! 
My love ! my soul ! my bride so dear, 

Glowing with life and radiant charms ! — 
Oh ! love me ! love me, angel mine ! 

Take not thy sweet lips once away ! 
Oh ! let me cling thus e'er to thine ! 

My bride ! — thou canst not say me nay, 
Speak ! speak thy love ! and let me hear 

If half thou sharest of my joy ? — 
Beams earth now to thee newly dear. 

Without one saddened, dark alloy ? " 

" Nay ! nay ! my love ! how may I speak 

If kisses stop my words, — my lips ! 
As flower, in helpless silence weak, 

"While humming-bird incessant sips ! 
Nay ! prithee cease ! and I will speak. 

As ladies ever would, you know, — 
Most cruel ! thus such guard to keep. 

Giving no chance for ay or no ! 
Now cry thee thanks, mine only love ! 

Gladly respond I to thy soul, — 
With thee, I thank our God Above ! — 

Share I, thy joy and love, the whole, — 



142 P E L A Y O . 

Not ' half thy joy ' — my life ! inme own ! 

Thou know'st full well — am I not here ? 
Have I not fled with thee alone ? — 

Whom have I now but thee, so dear ? 
How dark, how drear this world to me 

Apart from thee, mine own true love 
Nay, nay, I could not live from thee ! — 

Without thee, what were Heaven above ? 
And ' happy ! ' — oh ! how blest am I ! 

Thine own loved bride ! thine, only thine !- 
Ay, brighter far seem earth and sky, — 

And fairer still yon moon-beams shine 
Than e'er they smiled on me before ! 

On me, thy happy, happy bride ! — 
Whom, Love, thou blindly dost adore 

While gazing on the brighter side 
Of my poor virtues, yet to learn 

How weak and frail in all of right, 
But rich in love, to thee I turn. 

As sun-flower, to her god of light. — 
I see no brightness but with thee. 

Behold no joy that is not thine, — 
Happy, with thee, where'er to be, 

And in thy light alone to shine. 
And full my chalice-blest of joy. 

Dearest, as thine, save that I know 



P E L A Y O . 14:3 

One sad, sad spot of dark alloy. 

When thinking, thou must from me go 
E'en for a day, to risk thy life, 

More precious far than worlds to me ! — 
In wild and hateful battle-strife, — 

Mayhap, forever severed we ! " 

" Is this my nightingale ! my bird ! 

Chanting such doleful vespers here ? — 
No mournful notes may now be heard, — 

A Chieftain's bride should know not fear ! — 
Nay cheer thee ! cheer thee, gentle one ; 

A voice, within me, speaks of hope ! 
Saying, — that ours the victory won ! 

Successfully, we battle cope ! " 

Sweetly she turns her dove-like eyes, 

To drink, from his, of hopeful joy, 
While happier now her fair head lies 

Upon his breast, half trust, half coy, — 
With mingling sweet, of maid and wife 

Of holy feelings, only known 
To pure and good, in this earth-life, — 

Hearts, where sweet lily-love hath grown. 
There, all confiding, fond, and pure, 

lleclines she on her lover's breast, 



144 



P E L A Y O . 

Nestling, of love and honor sure, 

Where, as a bird, she'd ever rest. 
While fondly plays he with each curl, 

So sunny fair, of golden hue ; 
Kissing white lids, that sweet unfurl 

O'er violet eyes of heavenly blue. — 
But list ! soft on the evening air 

Come borne upon the breezes bland, 
Sweetly, the vesper-tones of prayer, 

Full rising from the mountain band ; 
When, humbly too, they bend the knee, 
In orison, to Deity, 
Pure as the twilight dews to rise 
In holy incense to the skies. 

Now, cooling draughts and fruits most rare 
Are placed before our happy pair. 
While clear the nightingale's sweet prayer 
Still warbling floats through evening air. 



CANTO Y. 

All freshly clear and glowing bright 
Breaks forth again the morning light ; 
Again the orient, glimmering red, 
Calls warriors from their mountain bed, 
And while the mists rise toward the sky, 
Full many a matin wafts on High ; — 
While huntsmen, ready for the chase. 
Dash forth, on merry mountain race. 
Through thicket green, through opening clear, 
To seek the roe and bounding deer. 
O'er purple heath, at dawning day, 
Through wild'ring paths, they wend their way 
Where frightful crags above them bow, 
Along wild rocks and ravine's brow, 
Then through the copse and chestnut grove 
To slacken pace, more quiet rove ; 
Where gentle mood induced, they lose 
More ardent zest to pensive muse, 
7 



146 P E L A Y O . 

Some on their bright-eyed ladye-fair, 
Others, in country's woes, thought share. 

Brief moments these for tender thought, 
A glimpse of tossing antlers caught. 
When, loud the hounds and sportsmen cry ! 
Again the hills and dells reply ! 
And dashing on, stag, archer, hound, 
Once more all merrily they bound, 
With yelling bay and arrows' twang, 
As speeding on the wild-deer sprang. 
Cruel the sport ! not kind the heart 
That sends the fatal, death-winged dart, 
To lay that beauteous prey all Ioav, 
And meet the mild eye's anguished glow, 
As sad the upturned, mournful gaze. 
Is cast in last expiring haze 
Reproachful ! as tho' fain to say, — 
Could ye not spare my brief, bright day ? 
Why seek ye my free mountain home 
Where erst I fearlessly might roam ? — 
Or, shielded here, could ye not spare, 
And suffer me God's gifts to share ? 

But sportsman-heart not oft, I ween. 
Is touched by tender conscience keen ! 



P E L A Y O . 147 

When bugles ring and staunch hounds cry 
And swift the springing stag goes by, 
No thought, but for the boAV true bent, 
And whistling arrow surely sent ! — 
And thus, in huntsman's merry day, 
All softer thoughts are cast away. 

Now, one by one, as blossoms ope. 

Appear sweet maiden-flow'rets fair, 
Bright, as the morn, with love and hope, — 

As radiant, in their beauty rare. 
While round the moss-grown Altar-rock, 

To raise the matin hymn on high. 
Assembled, range the mountain flock, — 

From cave and forest-sport to hie ; 
When swelling on the morning air 

Arises full and rich and free. 
With mist and dew in offerings share. 

Their orison of melody. 
Day, prayer-begun, all brightly croAvned 

With holy aspiration's rays. 
That draw from Heaven pure angels round. 

To guard through darkened earthly ways ! — 
How beautiful the soul's incense ! 
Borne through empyrean ether hence 



148 P E L A Y O . 

Pure wafting to the Heavenly throne ! 
To God — imaided, and alone ! — 
No courtly pomp or herald fine 

To sound the name and lead the way, 
Unto our blessed Lord Divine ; — 

Whose Gates wide open, night and day, 
Stand in their pearly brightness fair ; 

That all may welcome entrance find, — 
The high and low alike to share 

His love and wondrous mercy kind ! 
Oh blessed Gates of peace and light. 

That wearied souls may pass within ! 
All drooping, worn, through sorrow's night !- 

A glorious morning to begin ! 
Hark ! as those human voices blend 

In richest harmony of prayer, 
The Gjreen-wood birds their sweet notes lend 

To fill with praise the morning air ; 
Striving as who should loudest swell 

His gratitude to God above. 
With gushing joy to chanting tell 

His happiness and praise and love ! 
The lark gives back his matin high. 
While soaring far toward azure sky ; 
The robin carols forth his glee 
In richest strains of minstrelsy ; 



P E L A Y O . 149 

In anthems pure, the warbling thrush 

Out-pours his joy from tree and brush ; 

While clear, 'mid all, the boblink sings 

" Praise God ! praise God ! " in note that rings 

So full of love and melody. 

The sleeping flowers awake to see 

The Morning smile ! — full time should they 

Their incense sweet of perfume pay ! 

When, blushing bright, the wild-rose red. 

Lifts up her richly dew-gemm'd head ; 

While sweet the lily, pure and white. 

Her chalice opes in glittering light ; 

And mountain violets bathed in dew, 

Raise their sweet eyes of loving blue, 

While blossoms all, awake to share 

In grateful offerings, sweet and fair. 

Ripple the streams in laughing joy, 

And dancing, whirl in playful toy 

With every venturous vine and flower 

That bends to sip their sparkling shower ; 

While loud the torrent joins, to swell 

Majestic Praise ! — great N'ature's bell ! 

Sounding fore'er with grand accord 

The glory o£ our Sov'reign Lord ! 



150 P E L A T O . 

And there were two, whose cup of bliss 

Full high o'er-flowed with joys extreme ; — 
Whose love-fraught, radiant happiness 

Perfected well the glorious scene ; — 
Whose joy, too deep for outward tone, 

Welled up with full intensity. 
Beaming from eyes that glowing shone 

With holy love's sweet purity. 
Blest couple for that Eden-fair ! 

To grace and finish well, and light 
Their Paradise ; — as earth's first pair, 

Ere fell sin's dark and with'ring blight. 

Ah ! why so brief all earthly joy ? 
Why mixed her chalice with alloy ? 
Why may they not thus ever dwell 
In fairy bower and sylvan dell, — 
In mountain groves far from the world, 

Her courts' deceit and treacherous wile, 
Or ere War's banner be unfurled. 

And dove-eyed Peace so transient smile ? 
But cloud not we the present bright 

With dark forebodings fraught with woe ; 
Nor sing of Sorrow's gloomy night. 

While radiant skies around us glow 



P E L A Y O . 151 

With rainbow hues of light and love, 

And earth so smiles with happiness 
Scarce might one deem the realms above 

More sweetly, purely, e'er could bless ! — 
And from this fair Elysian dream 

I^e'er would they wish to wake or rise, 
So bright does all around them beam ! — 

A second glorious Paradise ! 
Take we the moral, then, and see 

How chequered- web destroys Life's charm, 
Till man would fain from sorrow flee 

And earthly strife, — to Heavenly calm ! 
And were this sphere ail bright below. 

Without a cloud of Sorrow's night, 
Ne'er would the soul with rapture glow. 

To plume her wings for Heavenly flight ! 

Blithe passed the days through dell and vale. 

In shady mountain bower ; 
Each hour might chime a fond love-tale. 

Where swayed Love's magic power ! 
How bhthe the king and happy bride ! 
Roaming o'er flower-decked mountain side, 
Culling sweet buds of love and light 
With earthly blossoms, e'en less bright I 



152 PELAYO. 

Blithe as the merry songsters there, 
That wake the morn with music rare, — 
Chanting till dewy eve of love, — 
Blest theme ! that angels sing above ! 

From out their forest bower of joy, 

How fair at early morn to hie ! 
Wand'ring where dancing streamlets toy 

With bending shrubs of every dye ; 
Where bright the rose in dewy sheen. 
The wild-rose, creeps amid the green ; 
Where hawthorn sweet perfumes the air, 
And violets hide 'mid green leaves fair. 
Peeping, with azure true-love eyes, — 
Breathing of love that never dies, — 
Whisp'ring from valley, stream, and grot. 
To lovers fond, — " Forget me not ! " 

N'ow saunter they through olive-dell, — 

Now in some fair acacia bower. 
Entranced, by Cupid's witching spell, 

To dream away the blissful hour. 
Oh ! with what joy upon his bride 

Gazed e'er our royal knight ! 
The blushing treasure by his side. 

His cherished soul's delight ! 



PELAYO. 153 

While fairy " Castles in his Spain " 

He rears in thought and speech, 
Of prosp'rous days restored again, — 

His flower, from danger's reach ! — 
And, as the clouds of waning day 

Roll gorgeous o'er the west. 
To their bright bower they wend their way, 

For evening's peaceful rest. 

How grand that mountain setting sun ! 

The forest tops, each rocky spire. 
The purple cliffs, and torrents run, 

Auseva's hills all bathed in fire ! 
As glowing rich in crimson light. 
It blushing bids the earth good-night, 
'Mid heavens flecked with every hue 
E'er mountain-flower or rainbow knew ; 
While each gay, tiny, feathered pair, 
Seeking the nest 'mid leaflets fair. 
Rings out the twilight parting note, 
In plaintive cadence far to float ; 
When sweet again the nightingale 

Her song wells forth in joy's delight, — 
In liquid notes that through the vale 

To moonlight saunter now invite 



7* 



154 P E L A Y O . 

Fond lovers still to list her tale, 

Wai'bling till dawn of true love bright ; 

That when dark clouds of grief assail, 
Cheers fonder through the gloomy night. 

And there were wanting not, I ween, 

The mandolin or light guitar, 
And gay bolero on the green. 

With chorus-glees that echoed far. — 
But list ! — the vesper call to prayer ! 

And from each bower, and grove, and dell, 
"Warrior and matron, maid repair, 

Their holy vows and beads to tell. 
While sweetly riseth on the air 

Rich swelling tones of voices clear. 
Breathing of Praise and earnest Prayer, 

Drawing each soul to Heaven more near. 
Incense as precious in His sight 

As e'er from grandest altar rose, — 
That star-gemm'd canopy of light. 

Fairer than aught that Seville knows. 
And sweeter far the balmy sleep, 

Closing each guileless forest day. 
Than fevered rest that courtiers reap 

From hollow Pleasure's weary way ! 



PELAYO. 155 

So, bright fled the hours, as if Heaven below ! 
With innocent joys that the world never know ; 
In the valley and dell, by the rivulet clear, 
With love-beaming eyes smiling ever most dear. 
Oh ! the Mountain at sunrise, at sunset, at eve. 
Seems more lovely as each in its turn taketh leave ;— 
The west, in its crimson, as gorgeous it glows , — 
Fair eve when the dew-drop soft kisseth rose, — 
And the stars all peep forth in their glimmering 

bright. 
With the Moon, their pure queen, in her silvery 

light,— 
Her smile's mellow ray, over clifi", vale, and bower. 
O'er the water-fall sparkling in diamond shower ; — 
And the fond, happy stroll, over heath and wild 

flower. 
With the Dear One, whose smile is the light of the 

hour, 
Where the aspen-leaf trembles as pulse of the heart. 
Vibrating with love, that of life forms a part ; 
Where 'the nightingale's song, and the whippowil's 

call. 
With the murmuring stream on the ear lulling fall, — 
And the breeze, rich with perfume, steals over the 

soul. 
Till a dream-like enchantment pervadeth the whole, — 



156 P E L A Y O . 

While hearts open full, to expand as a flower, — 
Here freely to drink of Divine loving power; — 
As the blossom receiveth the pure falling dew. 
To bloom still more brightly, and kindly, and true. 
Nor star, or fair moon, or sweet flower, ever smiled 
So lovely and bright as in this forest-wild. 
Where hearts and pure souls, full unclosing in joy, 
Quaff Nature's fresh pleasures, all free from alloy. 



CAKTO YI. 

Fain would my Muse prolong the scene, 

Arcadian life, — ^peaceful and pure, — 
But winter follows spring, I ween, 
And earthly joys not e'er endure. 
'Twere marvel great, if Moorish foe 
Their refuge sure, might chance to know, 
But for a churl, Fandino hight. 
Who base was bought — the caitiff wight ! 
The Moslem, treacherous to guide 
Unto Auseva's mountain side. 
Up through the bowlder's steep defile, 
Their silent march of stealthy wile, 
Beneath the raven wing of night. 
That screeneth from the Christians' sight, 
And vapors dense at dawning hour. 
That heavily enclouding lower. 



158 PELAYO. 

But few brief montlis, morn's eastern red 

Had ushered in witli rosy glow, 
The day, to love and gladness wed. 

When, from the guard that gazed below 
Was heard the signal, — " Coine the foe! ''^ 

Not with the " Leila cry^'' and gong, 
The clarion, and the timbrel shrill — 

Not with the " Techir " battle-song, 
But, with a muffled tramp, so still, 

So cautious, winding there along. 
But for the Watch, for coming ill. 
Our Mountain Band might scarcely know 
The cunning creeping of the foe ! 
But, thanks to God and angels fair. 
The floating mist divideth there. 
Through which bright rays from Heaven fall, 
Revealing Arabs, Moslems, all ! — 
Ay ! thrice, kind rays from Heaven's sun 
Shine, through the mist, their spears npon, 
That gleaming, glist'ning in the light, 
Betray the impious sons of night ! — 
That Turban'd Host of swarthy hue. 
As demons seem to Christian view ! 
Alcahmen, as the Fiend of old. 
Leading unto their Eden-fold ! 



P E L A Y O . 159 

But, God be praised ! pure angels share 
Fond, loving guard, for coming snare ; 
And Heaven itself, in sunbeams bright. 
Looks down to warn them of the fight ! 
While in that calm, still morning clear, 
Comes borne unto the Christian ear, 
The muffled tread of Moslem near. 
To blanch fair cheeks with pallid fear ! 

Ah ! now the startling signal ran 

From cliff to cave, from man to man ! 

And corslet, shield, and armor bright, 

Are quickly donned for coming fight ; — 

Stirring the Camp ! — with hasty tread 

From ev'ry cave men armed sped ; — 

While helpless matron, maid, and child. 

Poured forth their prayers in terror wild. 

And noble hearts swelled fiercely bold. 

To tremble, in the soft enfold. 

The parting clasp of loved ones dear, — 

'Mid sobbing tones, and anguished tear. — 

With hurried words of tenderness. 

And trembling prayers that " God may bless," 

Were hastening step, and bustling care 

For all that falls to battle-share ; 



160 P E L A Y O . 

The falchion, spear, and lance, and bow, 
The banner, hateful to the foe ! — 
And sighmgs heart might scarce endure 
From loving ones : — " The Moor ! the Moor ! 
From precious lips, and trembling child 
All frighted by the tumult wild ! — 
And sad " Ave Marias " brief 
From hearts half crazed with fearful grief! 
Ay ! many, oft, the matins said, — 
By fair and brave to Heaven sped, 
That God would smile upon the Band 
And bless and save their cherished Land ! " 

But turn we to our noble King, 

And trembling dove beneath his wing ; — 

His tender flower ! — where shelter find ? — 

God temper to his Lamb the wind ! 

As hly fair upon his breast. 

She lies in loving anguish pressed, 

Her azure eyes to him upturned. 

That now with fear and terror burned 

Deep in his soul ! for ah ! the woe ! 

From his heart's treasure thus to go ! — 

The madd'ning thought of her sad fate 

Chance sacrificed to Moslem hate ! — 



PELAYO. 161 

" Great God ! " he cried, — " Oh, hear my prayer ! 

My love, my bride, my Zillah spare ! — 

Nor let me fall amid the slain, 

But save me. Lord, for her and Spain ! — 

Hear ! hear me. Heaven ! " and kneeling there. 

Clasping his lily-burthen fair. 

Still prayed : — " This flow'ret now I bear, 

Grant me yet happily to wear, 

And hence, I dedicate to Thee, 

To her, and Spain, if need there be. 

My sword, my life, my every power. 

For this — Thy blessed. Heavenly dower ! — 

With Followers, and this good right arm, 

I'll strike to shield from grief or harm 

The sacred trust Thou givest me ; — 

And thus, — I seal my pledge to Thee, — 

Father in Heaven ! her guardian be ! " 

And on that brow upon his breast. 

The seal of love and truth he pressed. 

Again, again the loving kiss. 

So late bestowed in peaceful bliss ! — 

Again upon her forehead fair 

The kiss, — ^the cross signed, blessing there, 

And severing from that Parian brow 

One sunny tress, doth place it now 



162 P E L A T O . 

Upon his heart, whose every beat 
Is hers fore'er — where'er to meet, 
In Earthly joy — or Heaven above, — 
United in Eternal Love. 

" My precious one ! this sunny charm ! 
Shall shield thy Love from ev'ry harm ; — 
A talisman to guard him e'er 
From aught of grief, or evil's share ! 
' Animo mia vida ! ' Thou, 
A warrior's bride ! may never bow 
As drooping lily, white with fear ! — 
Nay ! nay ! I'll kiss each coward tear 
That trembling in those sweet blue eyes 
As dew-drop fair, in violet lies, 
And bid them hence, until in joy, 
As April's sunny tear-gems coy, 
They sparkle bright, with loving beam 
In welling happiness to gleam 
'Mid rays, that fond Avith rapture burn 
To welcome back thy knight's return." 

More beautiful than flower, I ween. 
Those deep blue eyes in tear-drops seen, 
Thus opening 'neath his fond caress 
In ardent glance of tenderness ! 



P E L A Y O . 163 

More lovely far than violets seen 

Bright peeping through their leafy green, 

Those azure orbs, half fringing hid 

'JN'eath the unclosing lily-lid. 

With mournful gaze to ope on him, 

As well the tear-drops fast, to dim 

The sight which e'er to him would turn 

While Life's bright light should hold to burn. 

Closer unto his breast she clung, 

While anguished sobs her bosom wrung ; — 

Nestling yet nearer to his heart. 

As fain, with him, would life depart. 

" Nay ! nay ! — ah no ! — it may not be ! 

I cannot live apart from thee ! — 

Dh ! bear me with thee to the strife ! 

E'en as thy Page, to yield my life. 

Or thou shouldst fall by Moslem-spear, — 

And I — O God ! and I not near ! — 

In battle's rage thou far from me. 

And I not there, — to die with thee ! — 

Oh ! joy upon thy breast to lie ! 

Oh I joy e'en thus, — and here to die ! 

This bosom, refuge sole for me, 

So soon 'mid battle dire to be ! — 



164 PELAYO. 

Oh ! could I guard tliee, Love, for e'er 
From every ill — ^by constant prayer, 
I'd dwell in lowliest hovel poo-r, — 
With thee, all want and care endure ! 
If but to have thee safe with me, — 
From danger, strife, afar to be ! 
Nor kingdom crave, or regal fame, — 
Thy love, and thee, my dearest aim." 

" Angel mio ! my precious life ! 
'Twere w^ortli whole years of danger's strife 
To know, how thought or price above, 
I thus am blessed in thy pure love ! — 
More, far to me, than diadem. 
Or Princely Mass, or Requiem, 
The Love-beam from thine angel eye, — 
The pure heart-drop, were I to lie 
Untimely in the vale below, 
O'erpowered by the Moslem foe ; — 
Whence I would rise to wait for thee, — 
My spirit-bride in Heaven to be ! 
But no, my Love ! Still happ'ly here 
We yet shall rove, in freedom dear. 
When Spain, arisen from her night, 
Shines bright again, in Glory's light ! 



P E L A Y O . 165 

But ah ! how sad to leave thee now ! — 
Thou sweetest blossom on the bough 
Of my poor life ! else, naught to me, — 
For what were life, deprived of thee ? — 
Oh ! I have been so happy here ! — 
Each moment, more than Kingdom dear 
With thee, my light ! e'er by my side 
To cheer and bless, — my precious bride ! 
And, as the brightness fades away, 
And dark'ning clouds obscure our day, 
The blessed past, as Heavenly dream, 
Too bright for earth-life now doth seem ! 
Oh ! we have dwelt in Eden bowers ! 
A Paradise, of love and flowers ! — 
And thou, the Angel fair of light 
That beamed o'er all in radiance bright. 
And now, I turn, as He of Old, 
From Eden bowers of joys untold ! — 
Turn from my Heaven to dark'ning night, — 
The flashing sword ! the fiends ! the fight ! 

" But, yet again on Earth shall rise 
To us, my love ! in brilliant skies. 
Our Star of Hope, and Love, and Light, 
To beam o'er all the futm-e bright ! 



166 PELAYO. 

And we will dwell so pure in this 

Our earthly sphere of loving bliss, 

That when we leave our home of clay, 

To spread our wings in Heavenly ray. 

Scarce conscious of the wond'rous change, 

Will deem we still Auseva range ! 

Until the Loved Departed bright. 

With angel welcome — cheer our sight ! 

With words that thus in music fall : — 

' A God of Love here reigns o'er all, — 

Welcome, ye children, pure in love, 

To joys eternal here Above ! ' — 

And thus forever we shall dwell 

'Mid bliss that can but angels tell ; 

For God, our God, shall guard through night 

His children pure, to endless light ! " 

But hark ! the signal call — " To arm ! " 
Oh ! sound of frightful, dire alarm ! — 
And Gomez, armed, — with lance and spear, 
Helmet, and shield, quick draweth near, — 
As quickly donned, in toilette brief. 
All fully armed, stands now our Chief. 
Again, again, in fond embrace 
His lips to press on that sad face, — 



P E L A Y O . 167 

So pallid in its misery ! — 

Rigid — in hopeless agony ! — 

Near madd'ning e'en the thought to part, 

Crushing all light from that poor heart ! 

Again the rallying call, — " To arm ! " 

With sudden start of wild alarm 

She frantic clings to his embrace. 

Half frenzied gazing in his face ! 

" N"ay ! nay ! Pelayo ! hear me ! no ! 

Thou wilt not — canst not — from me go ! 

Wouldst have me die ? — or, greater woe ! 

Become the bride of thy dark Foe ? 

Think ! think the fate that must be mine 

Shouldst thou thy precious life resign 

In Moorish fight ! — I, worse than dead ! — 

By force, to Abdelaisis wed ! — 

Oh ! could I now breathe out my life 

Here ! here, my love ! or ere the strife 

Should Heav'n-ward call thy precious soul, 

Where I might wait thee at the goal 

Whose ' Pearly Gates ' celestial rise, 

Opening the glorious Paradise 

Of our blest Home in Heaven above, — 

Oui- home of pure, eternal love ! — 



168 p p: L A Y o . 

Thus would I die upon thy breast ! 
Where else on earth may I find rest ? — 
More merciful, the hand to slay, 
Than bear me from thy breast away ! * * * 
Nay ! nay ! I care not now for ' pride ! ' 
Let me but tarry by thy side. 
Craven, or coward, free to be. 
So I but live, or die, with thee ! " 

" Zillah ! mine own ! can this so be ? 
My brave-heart bride, thus counsel me ? 
The daughter of long lineage brave 
Hold back one arm, her land to save ? 
Breathe softest word one hand to stay 
From striking for her ransomed day. 
While yet one banner floats o'er head 
Where erst the Cross its glory shed ! 

" That bleeding Country ! chained ! in woes 
Of blackest night ! — vile foreign foes 
Polluting her with impious faith ! — * 
While, of her glory, scarce a wraith 
Remains to waU in mournful tone, — 
This is the Land where glory shone ! 
Where intellect's rich, glowing fii'e 
Illuming, woke the Pen, and Lyre 



P E L A Y O . 169 

Of Bards by Inspiration fed, — 
Minds imto deepest myst'ries wed ; 
Where bright-eyed Peace forever dwelt, 
And Christian faith in freedom knelt, — 
Where Love illumined Court and Cot, — 
None knew the place where he reigned not ! 
And Mirth and joyful Pleasure wove 
A life more bright than ever Jove 
Himself could dream, or wish to know ; 
For in the full, luxuriant flow 
Of Spain's fair tide, did Glory beam 
Bright as her purest sparkling stream ! 
And Love, and Light, and Poesy, 
And cunning, sweetest Minstrelsy, 
All good combined, in harmony 
Bright crowned her day, right merrily ! 
Behold her now ! — is there no hand 
Will rise to save the fallen land ? 
Shall I, the Chief of noble band, 
All craven shrink to take my stand ? 
iNTot -so, my star !^thy smile will light 
And cheer me for the coming fight ! 
But for a moment now we part. 
To meet again with lighter heart — 
Victorious ! from the battle-field 
Where Ishmael's sons shall surely yield ; 



ITO P E L A Y O . 

For He, the ' God of Right,' will save 
And bless the cause of Pure and Brave ; 
And Cross-capped towers shall merry ring 
Their joyful peals for Qjieen and King ; — 
And all of Spain, rejoicing cry, — 
* Through Him we rise as phcenix high ! ' " 

As limpid fount returns the beam 

Of Luna bright, in cheering gleam, 

In her pure soul, full mirrored there, 

His sanguine hopes reflected were ; 

And brushing back the traitor tear 

With her small palm, — " Hence ! banish fear ! " 

'Mid tearful smiles, she sweetly cried, — 

" For I am now thy worthy bride ! 

A voice within me seems to say. 

Our Spain shall rise in glorious day ! 

And we, 'mid joys no tongue may tell. 

Henceforth in love and peace shall dwell ! 

I feel its truth ! — influx Divine ! — 

That radiant through my soul doth shine, 

Dispelling every gloomy fear. 

Singing of joyful gladness near! — 

I cannot deem this light will last ! — 

Thou witchest me with magic, cast 



P E L A Y O . 171 

From thine own hopes, my noble love ! — 

Or sure my strength comes from Above ! — 

As thy brave Queen, I'll with thee now 

To list less tender, bolder vow. 

In our fair grove, than late we made 

Beneath her charmed leafy shade. 

For this is Nature's owti retreat, 

Where Nature's heart should freely beat ; 

And thus, I'll bravely near thee bide, — 

Until the last — close by thy side." 

Those falt'ring tones belied the word 
That, trembling, from her lips was heard, 
And wrung his heart ! — So sad to see 
Hope struggling thus for mastery ! — 
Within his hands he clasped her own. 

And gazing in that angel face, 
Where love and fear so sadly shone, 

Breathed he a prayer for Heaven's grace 
Upon that tender, fragile flower 
That ill could breast this stormy hour ! — 
That God would guard his star of love. 
With angels pure, from realms above. — 
Again within his arms he clasped 

That lovely form, — his bride, his own ! 



172 PELAYO. 

To be, ere moments brief have passed, 

Left weeping, helpless, here alone ! — 
Sadly, a lingering look, — the last. 

Around his bower of bliss he gave, 
As round her form his arm he passed, 

And forth departed from the cave 
Unto the Circlet Grove, where now 

"Were gathering fast a motley band, 
The humble prayer and solemn vow 

To offer for their fallen land. 
The hoary sire and warrior strong. 
Maid, matron, children, haste along ; 
"With less of happy joy, I ween. 
Than that which welcomed King and Queen ! 

Hushed now each sound of joy or glee, 
"Where smiles then played, — the tear we see — 
In loving eyes, from whence the light 
Sad diromed, in drooping terror's fright ! 
They come ! that noble Mountain Band ! 
The Laurel Circlet, 'round to stand ; 
"Women and children, — chieftains all, 
Assembled by the rallying call. 

In silence all they gather round — 
!N'aught breaks the stillness, so profound, 



r E L A Y o . 1T3 

Save rustling of the aspen leaf, 
Or stifled sob of woman's grief! — 
With twitt'ring of each forest bird, 
And choral matins, sadly heard, — 
And om'nous somid of torrent's pour 
In deep, and heavy, threatening roar. 

Ai'onnd the Altar, rev'rent now, 
Urban, Centerio, Friars bow ; 
When forth advancing speaks their Chief: — 
" Brave Sons of Spain ! the moments, brief 
Ere in the ravine's depths below 
Meet we Alcahmen with the foe ! — 
Chiefs ! Warriors ! now it rests with ye 
Our Spain — our fettered Land to free ! 
They come in hosts, that swarthy Horde ! 

Dark'ning, as locusts swarm, the plain ; 
But we have on our side the Lord, 

To whom we may not call in vain ! 
And Spirits of the Brave on High, 
Above the blue empyrean sky, 
In breathless, holy prayer, await 
The Contest, — and our coming fate ! 
Shades of the Blest ! who for your Land 
Fell nobly ! slaia ! a martyred Band ! 



174: P E L A Y O . 

For you, and for our Country now, 
Vengeance all deep we solemn vow ! — 
Look, from your holy, starry height. 
All prayerful, on the coming fight ; 
Guard and protect our Band from ill. 
And thus your Heav'nly mission fill 
As ' Ministering Angels ' fair. 
That in your Country's woes take share ; 
To guard, sustain her children brave. 
And through directing Influence — save ! 

" Warriors and Chiefs ! what say ye now ? 
Shall Christians, tamely fettered, bow 
To dogs and Infidels accurst ? 
No ! in God's name, those chains we'll burst ! 
And vengeance hurl on each vile son ! — 
Nor cease until full victory w^on ; — 
Till high our Cross shall float above, — 
Peace, o'er our borders reign in love ! — 
What say ye ? Stand ye ready all 
Now at your Country's desp'rate call ? 
Here on this Shrine take ye the oath 
To strike for God and Country both ? 
While yet one arm may wield its spear 
Onward to press with bravest cheer ? 



r E L A Y o . 175 

Strike ! strike for Vengeance and our Land ! 
Your wives and homes ! — Swear ye, my Band ? " 
" We swear ! " doth one full tone resound, 
And bow they all, that Shrine around, — 
While bright blades rest they solemn there 
Upon the flower-decked Altar fair. 

" Nobles and Chiefs ! " he still pursued, 
" Theodmir — Pedro — Leaders here ; 

Our God Spain's suff 'rings long hath viewed, 
And now, — for vengeance draweth near ! — 

His Cross to raise — our Land to save ; 

To bless the Pure, the Good, and Brave, 

For where His Banner Christians bear, 

The Lord will not be absent there ! 

I fear not for ye, one and all. 

E'er dauntless in your Country's call ; 

The duties now devolved on ye. 

In your past deeds have surety ! 

Well tried are ye — not wanting found, — 

To God and noble deeds e'er bound ! 

This day, again ye take the Yow, 

To lead where Honor calleth now ; 

Hold forth each brave and well-tried sword, 

And, in the name of our blest Lord, — 



176 PELAYO. 

Promise ye still to lead aright 

For God and Spain, in this day's fight, — 

Until the base Invader's blood 

Shall stain the glen, or tinge yon flood ! " 

Bright flashed each blade, as forth it sprang ! 

As Master's honor, clearly rang 

Upon the Altar pointed there, 

"While, with unfalt'ring voice — " We swear f^ 

Rose full upon the morning air, — 

" For Spain and Vengeance ! here we swear !- 

Auseva and Asturia ! now, — 

Ye native streams ! — ^Earth, air, and sky ! 
Bear witness, while we solemn vow, 

In Spain's dear cause to bravely die ; — 
Never to league with foe accurst. 
But from her chains untrammelled burst ; — 
To wage perpefual, vengeful war 
From north to south, from shore to shore, — 
Till not one living foe remain 
To blight the soil of our loved Spain. 
We swear ! " — while all clear said and felt — 
" Amen ! Amen ! " Then, lowly knelt 
Father and son, maid, wife, and child, — 
All prayerful in that Mountain- Wild ! 



PELAYO. 177 

Upon the Altar's base in prayer 

Our King and Queen take humble share ; — 

Encircling them, Priests, Fathers grey, 

Pleading for Spain's victorious day. 

And offered now, is Solemn Mass, 

Ere yet to Combat dire they pass — 

All shriven, souls from earthly sin, 

That death, or freedom soon may win ! 

And holy Eucharist is given 

Ere yet, mayhap, earth-cord be riven ! 

Before that Altar, grave and calm 
Urbino standeth, — in his palm. 
Upraised, an Ilex cross doth bear, 
While blessing all assembled there. 
" Kow^ Benedicat vos, I pray, 

JPater et Filius^ Divine, 
Omnipotens Deus^ for aye, — 

Et Spiritiis Sanctus — Amen.''^ 
With Cross still clasped, thus kneeling there, 
He raised his eyes toward Heaven in prayer — 
While all, with close-crossed arms, low bent, 
In humble supplication, knelt : — 
" Our Father ! Lord of Heaven ! behold 
In Thy dear cause Thy Sons enrolled ! 

8* 



178 P E L A Y O . 

Oh ! deign to lend a pitying ear 
Unto our prayerful offerings here ! " 

PRAYER. 

Great Father of the Mountain I 

God of its crowning cloud ! 
Great wielder of the hghtning, 

And of the thunders loud ! 
Who colorest fair the rainbow, 

And gildest sunbeams bright, 
Who speakest in the torrent's flow, — 

Who said,—" Let there be light ! "- 
Who drapest earth with verdure, 

Rich groves, and luscious vine. 
And lavest the green herbage, 

With streamlets' silvery line ; 
Who ridest on the whirlwind 

And 'mid the tempest storm. 
Dost waters of the deep, bind. 

And bud and blossom form ; 
Who dwellest in the lily's breast. 

And giv'st the rose its hue, 
Dost 'mid the perfumed violets rest, — 

Distillest sweetest dew, — 



P E L A Y O . 179 

Who tingest bright the eastern sky, 

When Morn leads m her train, 
With tints that in fair sea-shells lie, 

Or gems from India's main, 
As riseth in his royal pride, 

Great Sol, — Thine orb of light, 
With warming, cheering ray to glide 

Through clouds of fleecy white. — 
Blest Lord ! who dost that orb direct 

Throughout thine heav'nly skies 
Of azure clear, all snowy flecked. 

Till daylight fading dies 
In gorgeous hues of sunset glow. 

Gilding the glowing west, 
Where rainbow clouds fantastic flow 

As smks that orb to rest. — 

Father ! in whose ethereal sky 

Thy myriad stars of brilliant ray, 
As diamond lights, pure gleaming lie. 

Until in mom they fade away ; — 
Great God ! who givest beauteous moon 

To gladden skies through night's dark horn*, — 
To lovers fond a blessed boon ! — 

Smiling o'er radiant heart, as bower ; 



180 P E L A Y O . 

Thou, Lord ! who dost that orb of Dight 
So glorious, place in ether clear, 

Jehovah ! Father ! Lord of Light ! 
Deign now, our Orison to hear ! 

Look from Thy starry throne 

Down upon our sorrow ; — 
Hear humble prayer and moan 

For a brighter morrow ! 
Bless Royal Queen and King, — 

Spaniard's hoped salvation, — 
Soon may the psean ring 

Victory ! for our nation ! 
Hear, while we bend to Thee, — 

Creatures of Thy moulding, — 
Aid, Cross and Land to free 

From her ashes smould'ring ! — 
May she rise in power again, 

As Phoenix erst in story ; — 
Spain resoimd with one refrain 

Of re-illumined glory ! 
Give us victory o'er the foe, — 

Protect each son and daughter ; 
Save us, Lord, from captive woe ! — 

Base bondage — worse than slaughter ! 



r E L A Y o . 181 

Better far, these forms all low, 

Still, iu death were sleeping, 
Than, 'neath yoke of Moslem foe, — 

Wives and daughters weeping ! — 

Spare our wives and children. Lord ! 

Loved ones, whom we leave with Thee ; 
Spare ! oh ! spare them from the horde ! 

Captured, — slauglitered should we be. 
Save us. Lord ! nor let us fall, 

God, our Father ! be our stay ; 
Guard Thy suffering children all, — 

Grant to Spain a brighter day 
When her banner proud shall wave 

O'er each wall and fortress height, 
While rejoice each Fair and Brave, 

In the rays of Glory's light ! — 

Hear, now, our Prayer and Yow ! 

List our Refrain ; 
Hear, Lord ! in mercy. Thou ! 

Save ! save our Spain ! 

CHANT. 

Father of the Mountain, 
God of the Vale and Hill, 



182 P E L A Y O . 

Father of the Fountain, 

Of Streamlet, Lake, and Rill. 
Father of the Wild-wood, 

Of Heath, and Grove, and Plain, 
God of the raging Flood, 

Great Ruler of the Main. 
Father of each Bird and Flower ; 

Commander of the Storm, 
Giver of the Summer Shower, 

Creator of each Form ; 
Father of the Moon and Sun, 

The Author of each Star, — 
Wond'rous aU Thy Works !— " Well done,''- 

On Earth — in Heaven afar ! 

Father of all pure Angels bright 

In Blessed Realms above ; — 
Creator of each Day and Night, — 

God of all Truth and Love. 
Father of every Mercy kind. 

Supreme ! in Goodness great ! 
Who tempers to the lamb the wind, — 

We, at Thy footstool wait ! — 

Dear Father ! God ! Jehovah ! 
Hear ! while we humbly bow ;— 



P E L A Y O . 183 

Blest Saviour ! Thou, our Guide-Star, — 

List now our Prayer and Vow ! — 
Lord, we place our trust in Thee, 
May we now victorious be 
O'er the foe, and every sin. 
Till Thy Heavenly Courts we win ! 

As breathed its cadence last that prayer, 
Forth from the grass, through morning air, 
A Lark soared high with dew-gemm'd wing, 
And note, as omen bright, to ring ! — 
Piercing the skies, as though to bear 
That pure, soul-offered matin-prayer 
To Heaven's own Court on pinions light. 
And carol back her answer bright ! 

Rise they from humble praying 

With courage, strength anew ; 
Each man his sabre swaying. 

Toward Heaven, with ardor true. 

The King, before the Altar, 

Majestic stands in view, — 
Cries, — " Spaniards ! never falter ! 

But die, or bravely do ! " 



184: PELAYO. 

His regal sceptre waving — 

" Now Vengeance to the Foe, 
Our Land and Homes invading ! 

"Woe to the Moslem ! woe ! — 
One day of fighting glorious, 

And craven, Moorish horde, 
Shall, by our arms victorious. 

Fall low beneath our sword ! 

" Forward ! forward to the fight ! 
Draw for Liberty and Right ! 
For our Loved — whose prayers will rise 
'Bove the fray to Heav'nly skies. — 
While the dark invading foe. 
Swarm as fiends our vale below, 
Remember — God doth guard above. 
And I, your King, lead on in love. — 
Forward to the impious foe ! — 
Who shmmeth fray, wins death or woe !- 
Honor to the brave in fight ! — 
God bless our Cause with Glory bright ! 

" For God ! and Spain receiving 
Your loyal plighted vow, 
I bid you to your wreathing 
Of glorious laurels now ! " — 



PELAYO. 185 

With arms upraised extending, 
He blessed his Mountain Band, — 

" Go forth — Spain's Cause defending — 
Your Cross— and Native Land ! " 

Glowed forth his soul with ardor bright, 

Illuming face and form, 
Beaming with Inspiration's light, — 

With Heavenly Influence warm ! 
While, wond'rous sight ! an Eagle there 
Wheeled round and round above in air, 
Nearer and nearer o'er his head ! 
Then, soaring high, toward heaven sped ! — 
At this, the superstitious crowd 
Would fain have shouted wildly loud. 
But for this order rigid passed : — 
" Strict silence keep till Bugle blast ! " — 
Thus, they subdued their gladness' show ; 
" Blest Omen ! " breathe in joy-tones low,— 
" The Bird of Victory descends 
And proudly o'er our Sovereign bends ! 
Ah ! Moslem dark ! bide we our day ! 
Nor long the Avenging hand will stay,— 
Thy voice shall rise in uuthought fear. 
When e'en thme ' Allah ! ' may not hear ! " 



186 P E L A Y O . 

" ^o loud exclaim," had said the King, — 
" No sabre raised, no clarion ring 
Till Signal pass! — until the foe 
Hath neared ' St. Mary's Cave ' helow. 
With force unequal in the strife, 
'Twere folly e'en to lose one life 
^Needless, while yet we may endure, — 
Ere neared the Bridge, when. Victory sure, 
Once well within our deep ravine. 
The Moorish foe will scarce, I ween, 
Fiad outlet, or escape from harm, 
WhUe yet may rise one Spanish arm ! 
And well they ken, that ill may cope 
That Arab horde ! in battle scope — 
Through ravine's depths, o'er rocky height, 
With mountaineers, in desp'rate fight ! — 
But deem they, that, Asturians, we. 
All crushed, for refuge, hither flee ; 
And thus, through stealthy, sly advance, 
Surprised, by sudden zel and lance. 
We needs, in craven fear, must yield ; — 
Each Holy Banner, sword, and shield. 
And life itself, to Moslem fall, — 
Or on their ' Allah Prophet ' call ! 
So, silent all — impatient none ; — 
Cautious — and ours the victory won ! 



P E L A Y O . 187 

Calmly await — till, in yon glen, 
Our Cross have passed those turban'd men, — 
Until my Bugle note shall sounds 
And full the ' signal ' pass around, 
From Chiefs to Men — Nbw^ in the name 
Of God! for Vengeance ! and our Spain ! — 
' Santiago y clena Espana I ' 

Well up through the ravine's dark side ; — 
* Santiago y clena Espana ! ' 

Ring forth o'er the mountain-tops wide ! " 

Now, risen from the blessing 

Of him, their Chief and Kmg, 
Their joy but scarce repressing 

To see that eagle-wing 
Out-spread, as though caressing, 

And shelt'rmg their loved Chief! — 
As harbinger of blessing 

From Heaven — in their belief! 

Xow toward the King, Urbino came, 
With Crucifix and incense-flame, — 
To wave around the royal head 
Blest perfume, from the Censer shed. 
Raising his hand, he solemn spake, — 
" As servant of our Lord, I take 



188 PELAYO. 

Prerogative of Holiness, 

In His dear Name, thee. King, to bless ; — 

May His Kight Arm be with thee still 

To guard and save from every ill ; — 

May Father, Son, and Holy Ghost 

Bless thee, my son, and all our Host ! " — 

Riseth the King from solemn prayer, 

Embracing fond the Prelate there ; — 

'' Thanks, Holy Padre ! firm my oath, 

I keep for God and Country both ! " 

Then, turning to his Mountaineers, — 

" Our Vow, our Prayer, great Heaven hears ! 

Each, faithful to his solemn trust, — 

And God, our God will bless the just ! 

" N'ow, Warriors, for a brief farewell 
To those most dear — then to the dell : " — 
And turning, seeks the Chief his Fair 
On Osier Throne reclining there, — 
With " Liege-Ladyes," no longer bright. 
But drooping, as pale flowers of night, 
Bedewed in tears for Love and Sire, 
Departing for the battle dire ! — 

" To those ye love ! " sad spake the Chief, 
" For moments each, but few and brief! — 



P E L A Y O . 189 

We would alone ; — ere flits the hour 
Await thy Queen within her bower." — 
" Nay ! nay ! I prithee say not so ! 
Unto the Cliff with thee I go! 
Thou'lt bear me henee ? Mine own dear lord ! 
This parting boon thou wilt accord ? 
Ne'er could I bide within that bower, 
Where we have passed each blissM hour ! — 
'Twould madden me with fearful fright, 
While thou wert struggling in the fight ! " 
" Sweet love ! thou ne'er couldst bide that sight ! 
My tender flower ! born for the light ! 
But ill could brook the stormy wrath 
So soon to sweep our mountain path ! " 

" Yes, well thou say'st ' Light is for me,' 
Who know' St my light is but with thee ! 
Together, midnight, noon to me ! 
And light and life, alone with thee ! — 
I will not, dearest ! " mournfully she said. 
While from his breast she raised her drooping 

head. 
Gazing with anguished look upon his face, 
" I will not blench, or fail to chase. 
So strength be spared, each sign of fear, 
If to the last I bide thee near I — 



190 PELAYO. 

Each golden moment ere we part 

E'en as the life-drops of my heart ! — 

Deny me not, I pray thee ! this 

Sole shadow of departed bliss ! 

These precious moments ! chance the last 

On earth together to be passed ! 

And I may with thee, dearest ! now, 

Unto the Cliff, — the ravine's brow ? 

Thou'lt see, I'll nobly bear me up. 

And bravely quaff my bitter cup ! * * 

Nay ! nay ! the bower is not for me. 

Save there together, love, we be ! — 

Why, have not I as brave a soul 

As women, children, there the whole ? 

Less loving I than each fond wife 

Who there may watch throughout the strife ?- 

INow, shame upon my womanhood. 

If I, thy Queen ! bear heart less good. 

Loving, or strong, or brave, or kind, 

Than 'mid our people we may find ! 

Fear not for me ! — Ah ! would that strife 

Were o'er ! — thou here again, my life ! 

And I, upon thy precious breast, 

Thus ever, evermore might rest ! 

Or thus to die ! — exhale my life. 

Ere parted for this horrid strife ! 



PELAYO. 191 

Pass to Eternal, Heavenly birth, 
Ere severed thus ! — thus here on earth ! 
My God ! my God ! oh ! spare Thou mine, 
Mine only love ! my light ! to shine 
Around these paths, — in our loved bower ; — 
Spare ! spare my soul the midnight-hour ! — 
Let not his raven-wing Death ope, 
Crushing all joy, and life, and hope ! — 
That hideous plume of night o'er-spread ! — 
My light and hopes, all shaded ! dead ! " 

Closer unto his heart he drew 

That precious form, — as though he too 

Must die ere leave his flower alone, 

As blossom sweet by tempest blown ! — 

" Mine angel one, and should this be, — 

To thee my spirit still must flee ; — 

Still, ever fondly guarding thee ! 

Thine ! thine Above ! eternally ! 

For oh ! my life ! thou knowest well. 

Better than e'er vain words may tell. 

The torture wringing my poor heart. 

Each pulse, each chord, from thee to part ! — 

But honor, duty, bid me on ; — 

And thou wilt offer when I'm gone 



192 P E L A Y O . 

Thy pure-breathed Orisons, my love ! 

For him thou lov'st, to God above ; 

And thus, I'll know my Zillah prays ! — 

The shaft of ill and danger stays, 

Through intercession, purely given, 

For one unworthy, unto Heaven ! — 

Ay, sweetest love ! should prayer be vain, 

And we on earth ne'er meet again ! 

If Souls may from the world above 

Return to linger where they love, 

My spirit will be near thee stiU 

To loving shield from every ill, 

Until thy soul shall take its flight 

To realms of pure, angelic hght ! 

When, to the bowers of Paradise, 

Together we will fondly rise ! 

One, loving, true, duality, 

United for Eternity ! — 

And 'chance I fall, — ^my Chiefs will be 

Guardians most true and kind to thee, — 

In each, in all, thou'lt ever find. 

Brother, and friend, and parent kind, * * 

Nay ! list ! 'twas but of chance I spake — 

Not yet my life the sword shall take ; — 

In earthly bowers, we yet shall share 

Together joys and blessings rare. 



P E L A Y O . 193 

INTow, all good Saints protect thee, sweet ! 
Until in Victory we meet ! — 
God ! and all Angels, guard thee well ; 
My love ! my bride ! my life ! farewell ! " 
Oh ! sadly anguished, fond caress ! — 
So full of love and wretchedness ! — 
Dark'ning the light from that poor heart ! — 
Rending its chords, — thus, thus to part ! — 

% ^ :{: ^ % ^ 

Oh ! then, and there, was parting, 

That wrung the loving heart I 
And bitter tear-drops starting. 

As ran the sound — " Depart!'''* 



CANTO YII. 

Upon the Cliff, assembled there 

King, Queen, and Chieftains of the band. 
Mother, and child, and maiden fair, 

With Warriors, gathered stand. — 
While in St. Mary's giant cave. 

Just at the closing of the glen, 
Are waiting. Warriors boldly brave, 

Their culled and choicest Mountain men ; 
And here and there, where rocks jut far. 
Watchers for warning mounted are. 
All vigilant, with eye intent 
Upon the chasm keenly bent. 
Eager and burning for the fight. 

Brave, stalwart mountaineers await 
The Foe approaching nearer sight, — 

All unappalled, — nor fear their fate ! — 



P E L A Y O . 105 

In silence all, — save murmured word 
Of tenderness, and love, and hope, — 

And quiet, martial orders heard. 
How in the coming fray to cope. 

Oh ! what a shade of serious joy 

Reigned o'er that Monarch's face ! — 
A light of love, and sad alloy, 

That mingling there held place ! — 
All tenderly his glances fell 

Upon his flow'ret near, — 
Then, with dire fierceness on the dell, 

The Moslem tramp to hear ! 
Around him, standing Chieftains bold, — 
Theodmir, tried in battles old, 
Pelistes, Pedro, with him now 
Upon the mossy ravine's brow, — 
And Gomez, faithful, at his side. 
With throbbing zeal to scarce abide 
The laggard moments, far too slow ! 
His burning valor fierce to show. 

Upon a knoll our Bishops knelt, 

Constant each rosary to say, — 
Their orisons, deep and soul-felt, 

For strength throughout the coming fray. 



196 PELAYO. 

The morning sunlight kissed each spire 
Of flinty rock, in crimson fire, 
High o'er the Ravine's darksome way. 
Where fell dense shadows, grim and grey, 
That deeper, darker, narrower grew 
'Mid beetling crags rude passing through, 
Dark chasms by the torrent rent. 
Through years of rushing fury spent. 

Enshrined now, as some fair bride 

In fleecy veil of white. 
Around the bowlder'd mountain side 

Hung curling vapors light. 
As erst to Israel's Host was given 

A cloud of misty light, — 
All kindly sent by gracious Heaven 

To shield from Moslem sight. 
But well the Christians know the tread. 

Faint echoing from below ! — 
The muffled, measured, tramping dread. 

Of the invading Foe ! — 
And well they mark, our warrior-men. 
Each point they're passing in the glen. 
E'en through that cloud ! — ^but now a ray 
Of sunlight falleth on their way ! 



P E L A Y O . 197 

And soon the light, dispersing mist, 

That on earth's bosom lies. 
Gently, Auseva's brow hath kissed, 

To floating heaven- ward rise : 
AYhen lo ! from snow-flecked azure skies 

Gleameth Morn's smilight do^vTi, 
Deep where the chasm's shadow lies 
Beneath the bowlders' frown. 
Revealing banners waving, 

'Mid glitt'ring lances' sheen. 
Where Deva's stream is laving 
Her ilex branches green ! 

And Rabenal and Foncebadon, 

Far in the west that lay, 
As through the mist breaks forth the sun. 

Their giant forms display. 
While, toward the north, 'mid bright'ning skies. 

The land they love so dear ! — 
Where the Erbesian Mountains rise, 

'Mid vapors floating clear. 

But nearer still advance the Foe 
Toward the blessed Cross below ; — 
A strange, unseemly, hideous mass ! 
All stealthy, winding through the Pass ! 



198 PELAYO. 

" The Moor I the Moor ! " the vale below 
Is teeming with white turban'd Foe ! — 
No cymbal clang, or atabal 
Wild warning give, or ear appal ; — 
No " Allah Ifah'met / " battle-cry 
To tell the tale of Moslem nigh, — 
No kettle-drmn, or gong-peal fell, 
With " Zelie cry " and " TecUr yell! " 
But slyly, stealthy thread they way, — 
While, oft, anon, a heavenly ray 
Pierces the chasm's dej^th, to show 
Their wily creeping now below ! — 
And as the oaken Cross they pass. 

That unbelieving Foe ! 
The King, amid that silent mass, 

One warning note doth blow 
From silver bugle at his side. 

All clear, but soft and low ; 
Well heard on upper Mountain wide, 

But reaching not the Foe. 

" Now, in the name of Heaven ! 

For ' Vengeance, and our Spain ! ' — 
Men, see your chains be riven, 
Our war-cry not in vain ! " 



P E L A Y O . 199 

From crag to crag the Signal passed, — 

Each voice subdued, to tell, — 
From Warrior's prattling boy, the last. 

That Signal lisping fell ! — 
Now peals that shout from rear to van ! 
Rings forth as one from ev'ry man ! 
High o'er the hill-tops far and wide, 
Echoing adown the ravine's side ! 
And well, I ween, it startling fell 
On Moorish ears within the dell ! — 
Who thought to steal upon their prey, 
Surprise ! — with easy conflict slay ! — 
" They come ! — The Moslem come ! " the cry, — 
And, as fierce lightnings, glist'ning fly 
From out the sheath each glitt'ring sword, — 
Flashing as one, at given word ! 

How gazes on his bride the King ! 

With look that tells how grief doth wring 

That bosom where he clasps her now ! 

Pressing fond kisses on her brow. 

In last, last lingering embrace ! — 

Love over all things bearing place 

When mingling souls breathe out their sighs, 

Speaking of Love that never dies, — 



200 P E L A Y O . 

Telling of true affection's power, 
That triumphs e'en o'er Azrael's hour ! — 
" Adios Zillah ! Zillah mine !— 
To God ! to God I thee resign ! — 
Spare ! spare us, Lord, to meet again, 
Kejo icing in our love and Spain ! — 
Again farewell, my life ! again ! " 

One moment in his cla^p she lay ! 
" Now — ' Vengeance ! Victory ! and Spain ! ' "- 

Another ! — he has passed away ! — 

As statue there, she stands to view ! 
So fixed, so Parian white in hue ! 
As though all life had with him fled. 
Leaving no tear of woe to shed ! — 
So fixed on him those azure eyes. 
As down the Cliff he eager flies, 
With wildly loving gaze so true. 
Till 'neath the crags he's lost to view ! 
Then, back, bewildered, from her brow 
Those sunny ringlets throwing now. 
While toward the Glen turned every eye, 
She to the Cross doth trembling fly. 
Where, sooner, nearer she may view 
Him whom she loves so wildly true, 



P E L A Y O . 201 

And 'neath the sacred Symbol there 
Breathe forth her anguished soul in prayer. 

" My God ! " she cries, — " Oh ! save my Love ! — 
Look Thou in mercy from Above ! — 
Christ ! Christ our Saviour ! listen now 
While thus beneath thy Cross I bow ! 

" Ave 3Iaria ! for thy child 
Intercede, O Madre mild ! — 
Heavenly Father ! Saviour dear ! 
To Thy suppliant one draw near ! 

" Ave Maria ! Madre mild, 
Pity now thy suff'ring child ! 
Ora Madre ! for us pray, — 
For my Love throughout the fray ! 

" Father ! Saviour! look below, 
Save us from the Moslem foe ! 
Grant the victory ours this day, — 
Hear me, while to Thee I pray ! 

" Heavenly Father ! through Thy Son 
Listen to Thy suppliant one ; 
Mercy ! mercy for my Love ! 
Save him, God in Heaven above ! " 

9* 



202 P E L A Y O . 

Quick down the Mountain-side they rush 
From cliff to crag, o'er rock, through brush. 
As light deer fleet, on sporting day, 
Or wild beasts, eager for the prey. 
While screams the eagle, soaring high. 
As on their maddened course they fly, — 
The Mountain-side fierce dashing down 
Where beetling rocks o'er ravines frown ; — 
From bowlders huge they boimding sprung, 
For vengeance ev'ry sinew strung ! 
On ! rushing toward the coming Foe ! — 
And now they reach the vale below ; — 
And calm before St. Mary's -Cave 
Pelayo stands — ^majestic— brave ! — 
Theodmir, Odear, nobles, wait 
The crisis, — and their coming fate ! — 
An oaken Cross before them raised. 

On which, 'mid golden mottoes, shone — 
" Jehovah ! God ! be ever praised ! " 

In brilliant letters set thereon. 
And broad the " Bannered Lion " waves, — 

And crimson pennons float ; — 
While dauntless wait the assembled Braves 

The Conflict's signal-note ! 



P E L A Y O . 203 

Riseth now the bugle-call — 

" Ready ! Christian Warriors all ! 

Lo ! invading foes appear ! 

Strike ! for Cross and Country dear ! " — 

Now approach the dark array, 

Swarthy Moslems cloud the way ! 

Rise " Techir " shout and tymbalon, 

The tambour-peal and cymbal on ! 

Riseth shrill the " Techir yell! " 

" Lelie Faith-cry " from the dell ; 

As all demons loose were sent ! — 

With that cry, their fury blent ! — 

From man to man Spain's war-cry rose, — 

" For God^ and Vengeance 09i our Foes ! " — 

Mingling in one tumultuous roar, 

That every hill-top echoing bore ; 

They come ! they come ! our Mountain-men ! 

Forth how they issue through the glen ! 

With glitt'ring lance and warrior-tread, 

By brave Pelayo nobly led ; 

Mounted upon his charger white 

While on his breast-plate gleameth bright 

A silver cross, — as ever bore 

Don Roderick , in days of yore. 



204 P E L A Y O . 

His snowy plume, from helmet bright, 

Floats as a cloud of fleecy white ; 

While following close, with glist'ning flash 

From shields of steel, his warriors dash ! — 

Hark ! the shout and battle cry 

Ringing up the Chasm high ! 

" ' God ! Santiago ! Yengeance ' now ! 

Spaniards ! by your Faith and Yow ! 

For Vengeance and our Country's right ! 

By our Faith and Symbol bright, 

Dash the brazen Crescent low ! 

Death unto the impious Foe ! " 

" Santiago ! y clena Espana ! " 

Up, up, through the ravine, doth sound, 
" Santiago ! y clena Espana ! " 

O'er the Mountain doth clearly resound ! 

IN'ow they pause in deadly stand ! — 
Christians, and the Moorish band ! — 
Ceased, the heavy tramp of wrath, — 
Ceased, as storm on forest-path ! — 
And all is calm, — a frightful hush ! — 

As wild beasts pause before their prey 
In fiendish glare ! ere yet they rush 

With raging fury, fierce to slay ! — 



«<: 




llai-k! tlu^ slioiitand b:ittle-ci-y 
Kinsring up the chnsin hi?h ! 
" ' God I Siintiasro ! Vengeance' now ! 
Spaniards! hy your Faitli and Vow!' 



P E L A Y O . 205 

Kow, level lance, and spear, and bow ! — 

A measured scanning of the Foe ! 

The Moorish yell ! the Christian cry ! 

" Ve7igeance ! For God ! and Spain to die ! " 

" Alia AJcharP' and " Alia il Alia ! " 

Pierce shrill 'bovc the cymbal's loud clang ! 
" Santiago y clena Espana ! " 

Brave Christians re-echoing, rang ! 
E-ushes now Pelayo, fleet 
On his charger, fierce to meet 
Alcahmen in full career, — 
In whose breast he drives his spear, 
Striking sure, with warrior-craft, — 
Piercing him with deadly shaft ! — 
From his war-steed thus doth fall 
Alcahmen in Azrael's thrall ! — 
Smiting, slaying, through the mass, 

Fierce, Pelayo maketh way ! 
While beneath his with'ring pass 

Moslem tyrants falling lay ! — 
Arab and Moor ! as though the God 

Of Vengeance wrought through him 
To fell the Oppressor 'neath His rod, — 

The eye of Rapine — dim ! 



206 P K L A Y O . 

Close they in wild combat fierce, 
'Mid sabre's clash and arrow's pierce ! 
As meteors, flash the war-spears there ! — 
Oh ! hideous sight, that battle glare ! — 
The deadly fight of man with man ! — 
The fiend-like rushing of each van, — 
The whirl, the thick'ning, dusky air, 
As to and fro wild chargers tear ! — 
And foreign shout and Christian call, 
'Mid javelins' cleave, — and riders' fall ! — 
And shiv'ring lance, and helmets' crash. 
With crossing spears, and sabres' clash !— 
The buzzing twang and arrow's hiss. 
From aim too sure to failing miss, — 
And ringing buckler, sword, and lance, 
As horse and rider wild advance 
To reel beneath the javelin hurled, 
'Mid tossing banners, pennons curled, 
And fierce collision raging there, 
As though all fiends the combat share ! 

Proudly, the Rampant Lion waves 
Its folds, that breeze of morning laves ! — 
Heard foreign tongues in jargon round. 
While impious oaths o'er hills resound. 



P E L A Y O . 207 

Nobly, our Christians bore them then ! 
Bravely, the Mountain Warrior-men ! — 
While foremost e'er the King appeared, 
With waving plume and lance upreared ; 
And on his breast that cross e'er seen 
Glist'ning Avith pure and hopeful sheen, — 
Anon, and now to brighter flash 
With rushing charger's furious dash. 

Now in the gorge grows fierce the fight 

Beneath the gaze of loving sight ! 

Wives, maids beloved, and children dear 

Together grouped in pallid fear, — 

All save our Queen, — who, wild with fright, 

Alone still gazes on the fight ; 

Alone, still prayeth for her Love 

Beside the Cross, upraised above 

The scene of conflict, high in air ; 

Ofiering her holy, anguished prayer 

Beneath its shelter -there alone, 

For life, more precious than her own ; — 

And thus, while through the gorge he passed, 

As toward the Cross a glance he cast. 

Beholds the King his more than life. 

As Angel pure, to guard through strife ! 



208 P E L A Y O . 

Clinging unto that Symbol bright, 

As some blessed spirit draped in light ! — 

His own pure Star of hope, so fair, 

Amid the clouds enshrined there ! — 

Her white robes liutt'ring in mid-air, 

Her lily-hands outclasped in prayer. 

One sunny ray on her pure brow, 

As thus she beams upon him now ! 

Ay ! lovely she, as spirit bright. 

Gazing from off that Cross-crowned height — 

Her golden hair, loose, unconfined. 

Fair streaming to the mountain wind ! 

In loving rev'rence raised he high 
His sword, to meet her searching eye ; 
Pressing one hand to his fond heart. 
Where, as his life-blood, bore she part ! — 
" God bless thee ! " cries she, " for that sign ! 
With life alone, may we resign, 
And not e'en then, the soul-deep love 
That must live on in worlds above ! " 
And, in mute signal, she too prest 
One hand upon her throbbing breast, 
While on the Cross the other lies. 
As still her prayer doth Heaven-ward rise ! 



PELAYO. 209 

A step ! — and Inez breathless there ! 
" O ladye dear ! my sovereign fair ! " 
Exclaiming quick, in anxious tone, 
"And art thou grieving here alone ! 
Forgive ! forgive ! that 'mid the mass, 
I marked thee not, when thou didst pass ! 
My look was but one moment drawn 
Toward the Glen, — when thou wert gone ! " 
" Full pardon, Inez, — it is naught ; 
Alone to leave* the cliff I sought, — 
And stole me here the fray to see, 
Where, by this Cross, alone I'd be ! " 

" Prithee, ladye, rest not here, 
This is no sight for thee ; 
God will preserve thy Liege so dear, — 
But here thou should'st not be ! " 

" N'ay, Inez, nay, fear not for me, 

A dauntless Chieftain's bride ! 
INTay, here alone my place should be, — 

Still here I must abide. — 
But list thee ! Hark ! My Liege-love's voice ! 

Around him how they rally. 
Of Spain's brave sons the proud and choice. 

From mountain-height and valley ! 



210 PELAYO. 

Lo ! his gallant bearing there ! 

Jove-like, in his splendor ! 
Now just Heaven in mercy spare 

Thy children's hrave defender ! 
List thee ! list thee ! how they cry, 

While around they rally ! — 
' King ! for Spain and thee we die ! 

Fearless, onward sally ! ' 
Behold ! how nobly leads he on ! 

My gallant, bold and brave ! 
Who for our glory, — well nigh gone ! 

Would die to guard and save ! 
Ha ! now rush the turban'd horde 

With crescent, cymar flashing ! — 
Save ! oh ! save him. Heavenly Lord ! 

From foes, — as demons dashing ! " 

Scarce breathed her brief but ardent prayer, 

When, by that pure earth-child. 
Her Angel Mother standeth there 

In Heavenly radiance mild ! 
Unseen by her — but far below, 

A startling sight ! I ween, 
To one among the impious foe. 

That Cross, thus guarded seen ! 



P E L A Y O . 211 

The Father ! — foremost 'mid the van, 

Count Eudon ! turban'd there ! 
Apostate ! renegado man ! 

In Moorish cause to share ! — 
The wife beloved, to Heaven called, 

The daughter from him fled, 
Beholdeth he, now sad appalled. 

As Angels from the Dead ! 
Beside the sacred Cross, which he 
Hath base abjured, so cravenly, 
Life and possessions vast of Spain, 
Most haplessly still to retain ! 
And thus, approaching with the foe, 
Breaks on his view from vale below, 
The Holy Cross, so blest, that he 
Had reverenced from his infancy. 
Uplifted high and glist'ning bright. 

While on each side, most i^iir, 
An Angel standeth, clothed in light ! 

Two Angels watching there ! 
Well doth Count Eudon know that pair — 

His child and angel wife ! — 
Deeming both sent from Heaven there 

To warn him from the fight ! 



212 



PEL A YO. 

And all who raised to Heaven the eye, 

Took comfort from that sight, — 
Glist'ning, on jutting cliff so high. 

That Cross — with angels bright 
On either side enrobed in white, 

As guardian seraphs there, — 
That Christians in that desp'rate fight 

Might hoi^efnl comfort bear. — 
How like the two in. visage fair. 

In gentle, graceful mien. 
In azure eyes and golden hair — 

As on that Cross they lean ! 

Why starts that child ? what meets her eye ?- 

From out the Moslem bands 
Springs forth a Chief, with arms tossed high 

Wild pointing where she stands ! 
As though well nigh in terror mad ! 

Transfixed ! or changed to stone ! — 
E'en to that child, his anguish sad 

Is plainly, clearly shown ! — 
Then, fiercely from his turban'd head 

The hateful badge he rent — 
To vengeful cast beneath his tread 

The crescent, hurling sent 



PELAYO. 213 

Down in the dust,— and trampled on !— 

When on his knees he fell, 
Abjuring creeds of Ifoslem-son, 

And traced the Christiaii'Spell, 
The Cross, upon his brow now bare ! 

Gazing still wild above, 
dying—" Behold ! my dear ones there ! 

My Child ! mine Angel Love ! " 

" Father ! O Father ! » ShriU the cry 

Doth rise from that poor child ! 
That upturned gaze hath met her eye,— 

Her father's anguish wild ! 
And, mad herself, with agony, 

She from the Cross would spring. 
When lo ! a light !— a melody ! 

As Heaven's harp-strings ring ! — 
Dazzling her eyes— to stay her there ; 

When now first meets her sight. 
Her Mother pure, an Angel fair. 

In Heavenly radiance bright ! 
Upon that Cross one hand she laid, 

The other raised to Heaven : — 
" Rot vainly hath his soul essayed,-^ 

Thy father ! now forgiven ! " 



214: P E L A y o . 

One tear of grief, full penitent, 

One sigh of anguish given ; 
One soul-fraught prayer to Heaven sent, 

That earthly sin be shriven, 
Will meet a pitying Saviour's eye,' 

A God of mercy's ear. 
Who heedeth, when the erring cry. 

And loving, draweth near ! " 

Gently, as soft Eolian note, 

Breathes o'er her soul that strain. 
As dream-like harmonies that float. 

Entrancing sweet the brain ! — 
One moment short, that mother bright 

Absorbs her look above 
From hideous scene of strife and fight 

In earnest gaze of love ; — 
" Praise God ! " — she cries, — " O mother mine ! 

Leave, leave me not, I pray ! 
Let but thy sainted presence shine 

Upon us through the fray ! " — 
Then, turning to the fight below 

Beholds her Father there. 
Surrounded by the Moorish foe, 

Li deadly conflicts share ! 



P E L A Y O . 215 

What arm, uplifted, flies to save 

With valiant Follow'rs near ? 
The King ! Pelayo ! ever brave ! 

Her Liege-love, nobly dear ! 
Wildly she gazed, with close-clasped hand ! 

Oh ! madly hot the strife ! — 
But see ! 'mid sabres' clash, the Band 

Have saved that Father's life ! 
But fierce the chase ! while loudly ring 

The atabel, and " Alia yell " — 
While bravely still bears on the King 

Up, up the narrow dell ! 

That Angel Mother — that pure child- 
Still from the Cross look down ; 

While Zillah cries in terror wild — 
" Great God ! avert Thy frown ! " 

" God smileth on thee, daughter mine ! " 
The Angel sweetly spake ; — 

" JHis blessings round thy pathicay shine I — 
3Iy blessing, daughter, tahe!^'' — 

Laying upon her upraised brow 
One white, transparent hand, — 

" A Mother'' s blessing on thee now ! — 
God will protect thy Band I " 



216 PELAYO. 

Then, as fair morning mists arise 

She floateth from the sight, 
While Zillah's earnest azm-e eyes 

Pursue through clouds of light, 
"With outstretched arms and piercing cry, 

" O Mother ! stay with me ! 
Sweet Mother ! leave me not to die ! 

Take, take me hence with thee ! " 

In sooth ! she seems too fair to stay ! 

Too bright to tarry here ! 
No marvel should she float away 

From this poor mundane sphere ; 
Half fainting on the Cross she fell, — 

"While, borne upon the air, 
The sound of gong and Moorish yell, 

The battle tale still bear. 

" O Heaven ! my brain is ringing ! 

Mine eyes have lost their sight ! " — 
Then, to the Cross wild clinging, 

She veils her orbs of light 
"With her small palms, so lily-white ; — 

" Nay, Inez, heed not me ; 
'Tis but a moment, — of the fight — 

How sways it ? — dost thou see ? " 



P E L A T O . 217 

" Nay, Ladye ! — I would bear thee hence ; " 

" Peace, girl !— the King ?— the Foe ? "— 
" The King now stands on the defence ! — 

As locusts swarm the Foe ! 
The Crescent-banner floateth high 

Above the swarthy horde, — 
Low in the dust, grant soon it lie ! — 

Raise, raise our Cross ! O Lord ! 

" O Ladye ! what a goodly sight ! 
Would Heaven I were a man — 
A Warrior brave — I'd surely fight, 
And foremost in the van ! " — 
List ! to the sabres' clash ! 
Hark ! to the cymbal ! 
Lo ! how the bright blades flash ! 
Ringeth the timbrel ! 
Hear ! oh ! hear the madd'ning shout ! 

Rageth dire the battle ! 
Grant we be not put to rout, — 
Slaughtered as dumb cattle ! 
Rush the Lancers now along 

Over dead there lying, 
Riseth wild, " Wul mullah " * song 
O'er the fallen, — dying ! — 
* Death song of the Moors. 
10 



218 PELAYO. 

Hither, thither, madly sway 

Woful death and sorrow ! — 
Fearful from such carnage day 

Will rise the coming morrow ! — 
Now, ah ! now retreat our men ! 

Up, up the steep defile ! — 
Little doth the Moslem ken 

Of our deep-laid wile ! 
Frenzied, furious press they on ! 
With shrill zel and tymbalon, 
Sounding their own clanging dirge 
Ere they sink heneath the surge ! " 

Now jutting crags and groves of yew, 
Obstruct fair Inez' further view ; 
And thus the tale we still relate 
Of that fierce fray and Moslem fate. — 
Upriseth shrill " Wul wullah " cry, 

Where low one dark Division's head, 
Alexman, slain, doth bleeding lie 

Amid the dying and the dead ! 
And " Alia Allah ! " yet again. 

As falls his colleague, Suleymen ! 
Till Oovadonga's vale doth flow, 
With blood of leading Chieftain-foe ! 



P E L A Y . 219 

Manuza's spirit, too, hath fled ! 
Dark Leaders, three, lie with the dead ! — 
Still, Ishmael's blood doth boldly flow 
Through Arab veins, despite their woe ! — 
Follow still that desp'rate Foe, 

N'ow madly on, I wis. 
Heedless of the Gulf below ! — 

The seething, wild Abyss ! 
Rushing, pressing toward the Bridge, — 

God now save each soul ! 
Dashing fiercely o'er the ridge 
Madly to their goal ! 

Fierce the whistling arrows fly 
From pursuing Arabs nigh ; 
Fierce return^ full deep to rest 
In their wielder's impious breast ! 
For, it is said, that " When the bow. 

Wielded by Arab-hand, 
Was bent to smite the Spanish foe, 

A bright Celestial band 
Hurled e'en about the poisoned dart. 

That Christian breast would pierce, 
Back, swift again, to Arab heart, 

With deathful venom fierce ! " — 



220 P E L A Y O . 

On, and still onward yet they rush, 

O'er rocky crag and mountain brush ; 

Up, up that steep and wild ravine, 

The Draw-Bridge reached! — ^brief time, I 

ween ! — 
Her quiv'ring beams quick open flung, 
Her oaken sinews trembling rung ! — 
Firm all^ tilt Christian-men have passed^ 
Ere yet the chain asunder cast^ 
And safe the Band! — A moment more, 
'Tis covered by that dark mass o'er ! — 
A swaying of those pond'rous beams, — 
A sev'ring of the sinewy seams, — 
A shiv'ring, wrenching, ringing crash, — 
And downward, downward, headlong dash 
Deep in the seething gulf below, 
With shrieks and oaths — ^the impious Foe ! — 
And at the instant, down were poured 
Huge, loosened rocks, that thund'ring roared 
Through the ravine, as, with sharp crash, 
Down the defile they ringing dash, — 
High from the beetling bowlders wild. 
Hurled frightful rocks, there tott'ling piled, — 
An avalanche of missiles dread 
With vengeful force, destruction sped ! — 



P E L A Y . 221 

And of the rear that 'scaped the bridge, 
No Moor, but fell beneath the ridge, — 
Crushed hy the soil they strove to gain ! — 
Thus hurled defiance^ — injured Spain ! 

"With that portcullis' crashing sound, 

Throughout the chasm up resound 

Wild shrieks of terror and despair. 

From 'parting souls, that rend the air ! — 

From that vast horde, o'erwhelmed, submerged ! 

'Bove foaming waters roaring heard. 

Were fearful oaths, and Prophet call, 

Till fainter, feebler, voices fall, — 

And echo but prolongs the sound, 

Till Nature's silence reigns aroimd ! — 

Those waters wild are rushing on ! 

That Host ! — the Foe ! — are silent ! — gone ! — 

The Moorish banner, tattered, — torn, 

Upon the angry sm-ges borne, 

As battered sail, rude tempest-tossed. 

Life's vessel wrecked ! the crew — all lost ! — 

Oh ! short the journey, wildly fleet, 

That swarthy mass hath ta'en, to meet 

Departed souls in Hades' shade, — 

The " Prophet Great " and " Houri-maid! " 



222 P E L A Y O . 

And few among that host of sin, 
May pass the " Pearly Gate " within ! — 
Now God have mercy on each soul, 
Rushing unto " Gehenna's " goal ! 

Of that dark horde doth no7ie remain 
To chant the mournful requiem strain 
O'er parted souls, by Azreal called, 
Unwarned, unshriven, and un-palled ? — 
Ay ! One of all that turban'd mass. 
That wily stole within the Pass, 
The renegade, repentant man 
Alone is left of all the van ! 
The Father ! — struck with dire remorse, 
His soul's-eyes opened to the course 
So vile, so fraught with shameful woe 
That leagued him with the Moslem foe ! 
Who, when that Angel-Spirit mild. 
Beside the Cross, with their pure child. 
Gazed sadly on his turbaned brow, 
Dismayed beheld his Moslem Vow ! 
When, calling on his God above. 
He traced the Holy Cross of love. 
Hurling, defiant of all wrath, 
The Crescent in the Moorish path ! — 



P E L A Y O . 223 

And victim sure had fallen he, 

Chanced not the King that act to see, 

To recognize, with quick glance, keen, 

The Father of his Love and Queen ! 

Swift to the rescue dashing then. 

In fiercest conflict — with his men 

To strike — to seize, — and bearing, save 

That Sire from Moor, — from torrent grave ! — 

And thus, unto the farther shore 

Of that dark " Styx " there passed but one. 
Who e'er the impious symbol bore 

Of Christ-defying, Moslem-son ! 



CAJSTTo yni. 

But turn we to the brighter side, 

Asturians, Christians, where are they ? 
Brave hearts ! that now on glory's tide 

Behold their Country's breaking day ! — 
With Victors' bearing. Paean strain, 

Onward they lead their winding way 
Through dell, o'er bowlder, rock, and plain. 

Along fair Deva's trilling play ; 
While on the nearest cliff above, 

Assembled, wait the good and fair, 
Child, wife, and mother, maiden-love, 

With joyous hearts and thankful prayer. 
Closer and closer draw they near. 

More brightly flashes armor's ray. 
Clearer arise loved voices dear, 

Victorious up their Mountain-way ! 
Wild tumult now pervades the camp, 
As shouts of joy and hurried tramp, 



P E L A Y O . 225 

And neighing steed, up winding j^ath 
Bear conquerors from the battle's wrath ! 

As warriors true, from earthly strife, 
Rise they to Eden-bowers of life. 
Toward purer hearts, " Houris " more bright 
Than e'er may greet the Moslem sight ! 
And theirs, the recompense all fair 
That falleth to the Christian share, 
Who, batt'ling evil, conquering sin, 
Doth nobly, rarest blessings win ; — 
For there upon the mountain height, 
Await them, beauteous forms of Hght, 
With loving gaze, from starry eyes, 
Bright as the orbs of Paradise ! 
And hearts, o'er-filled with holy love, 
Exceeded scarce by those above ! 
Who, with them, held angelic view 
To guard and bless the Brave and true ! 
Scarce bide they now the quick advance. 
Of glitt'ring armor, blade, and lance ; 
But, wild with joy's tumultuous glow. 
Well nigh would leap to arms below ! — 
No time for courtly rule to-day ! — 
The soul alone, may now bear sway ; 

10* 



226 P E L A Y O . 

And with heart-bounding happiness 
The loved are clasped in wild caress ! 

But who may now e'en half express 
The wild'ring, gushing joy's excess, 
That welled the heart of Zillah dear, 
As Husband, Father, safe appear ! — 
While toward the cliff approach they near. 
Trembles her frame, as e'en through fear ! 
And fainter still the quiv'ring throb 
Of each sweet pulse, as joy doth rob 
Her heart of its full life-blood beat, 
Thus Lover, Father, safe to meet ! — 
Till drooping to the Cross she clings, 
As loud the shout of victory rings ! 
Conscious, the while, that loved ones dear, 
Are swiftly, closer, drawing near, — 
Nor yet the power to greeting rise. 
Scarce raise fair lids from azure eyes ! 

They come ! — when, as with life's last power. 
Struggles our fainting lily-flower. 
And springing toward that noble breast, — 
In wild embrace is swooning pressed ! 
Close clasped, within those arms to rest, 
As weary bird, in sheltered nest 



P E L A Y O . 227 

Of loving mate, returned to cheer, — 
With fond, repentant Father dear. 
Encircled in that fond embrace. 
Her own, her only resting place ; 
His lips upon those lids, each tress 
Oft presses he in joy's excess, — 
" Look np, my life ! oh ! look and see 
Thy Lover safe ! safe here with thee ! 
Kaise, raise those lids to me, and know 
The victory ours ! Conquered the foe ! 
Oh ! when my light doth brilliant burn, 
Let it not all to darkness turn ! 
As true it must if thy dear lid 
May ope not to thy lover's bid. 
Nor let me call thee thus in vain ! 
Zillah ! mine own ! mine own again ! 
I clasp thee now upon this breast, — 
Oh ! let thine eyes upon me rest ! " 

Gently unclosed the fringed lid, 
Beneath his kiss, — to loving bid ; 
As rises mist 'neath sunbeams' power, 
From sweetly dew-gemm'd azure flower. 
And as fair leaves from budlets break. 
The blossoms of her soul awake, 



228 P E L A Y O . 

To beam upon the loved one true 

Thro' joy-tears bright, of love's sweet dew ! 

To gaze on him with gentle beam, 

All dream-like, in her joy's extreme ; 

Scarce realizing full that she. 

Thus, now, within his arms may be, 

Whom late she saw, 'mid perils rife, 

In fiercest combat's deadly strife, 

Pursued by fiends of swarthy hue, 

Till lost to her sad, straining view ! 

" Pelayo ! loved one ! husband dear ! 
Safe ! safe ! — I on thy bosom here ! — 
O God ! how now Thy name I bless 
For this o'er-powering happiness ! — 
Oh ! welcome. Father ! " murmured mild 
The waking, happy wife and child ! 
" Forgive that from thee I did stray, 
For it hath drawn to Heavenly way 
That leadeth to my Mother bright, 
Who watched thee from that Cross's sight, 
And breathed so sweetly there to me, 
That ' God, with her, would smile on thee ! ' " 

" No pardon thou, my child, should ask, 
Mine, mine the need, and mine the task 



P E L A Y O . 229 

To plead to Heaven, and wife, and thee, 
For love, forgiveness great to me. 
Humbled my soul, all crushed my heart, 
That I, by weakness, snares, and art, 
Li one fell moment, base was driven 
To risk my all of love and Heaven ! 
Oh ! how for mercy hope may I 
When 'neath the pure. Celestial sky, 
I stand, a shamed thing of night. 
Fashioned in God's own image bright ! " 

"• In thine own words, my father dear. 
Thou speakest that thy soul should cheer ; 
For, as His image, thou dost bear. 
So, of His light thou boldest share. — 
The ' Spark Divine ' within thee shines, — 
Each throb of penitence refines ; 
And earnest aspirations given. 
Are sparks to light thee unto Heaven, 
Kindling, until in radiance bright 
They fill the soul with holy light. 
The Light Divine within doth rise. 
To lead to glorious. Heavenly skies ! 
For He, our Father, God of Love, 
E'er gently guides to realms Above, 



230 P E L A Y O . 

The erring soul that j^rays for light 
Unto His Courts of Glory bright ! " 

An Angel fair, of comfort true, 
Raising bright hope-beams to the view 
Of her poor father, seemed that child. 
As sweetly in his face she smiled ! 

" Now, daughter blest ! thy words, as light 
Fall on my spirit's darkened night ! 
And I will to God's Altar go, 
Confess my crime — and while below 
Strive to redeem my hateful sin. 
And, by good acts and pureness, win 
Forgiveness from our Lord Above, 
Whom, my soul feels, doth rule in Love." 
His lips he pressed upon her brow, — 
" A father's blessing on thee now ! — 
God bless ye both ! — ^I will away, 
My sins to shrive, — my Beads to say." 

*' Mine o\ati ! — mine husband ! " soft she sighed, 
" And thou hadst fallen, — ^I, too, had died ! — 
Beside that Cross ! — with thine, my soul 
Had borne its flight to Heavenly goal ! — 
For ah ! thou couldst not dream, or know 
Mine agony ! my deadly woe, 



P E L A Y O . 231 

When parted from my aching sight, 

I saw thee next in direful fight ! 

Through flashing sabres, lances' sway, 

Dashing thy fearless, frightful way ! — 

'Mid shoals of tossing turbans white. 

As sea-birds on dark waves of night ! 

'Mid shrieking zel and ' Tecliir ' strain, 

Till sickened, wild, my wretched brain 

Could bear no more the horrid sight ! 

And faded from mine eyes the light ! 

When, lone, thy poor bird drooped her down, 

Hope's pinions crushed, beneath the fro^^'n 

Of raging battle's dark'ning wrath. 

Sweeping across our mountain-path ! 

And ne'er my soul had wakened more. 

So desolate on earthly shore ! 

But that the shout of Victory's cry 

Wrested my soul's departure nigh ! 

And thy loved voice on homeward way, 

My parting spirit's flight did stay ! 

Called back the life-blood's gushing start. 

To this poor, fainting, o'er-taxed heart, — 

To sink again with joy extreme, 

'Neath ecstasy's o'er-powerful beam I 

And waken thus upon thy breast, 

Mine only home ! mine only rest ! " 



232 P E L A Y O . 

Deep, deep the love that radiant shone 

From his dark eyes within her own 

Sweet orbs of heaven-hued lustre bright, 

Beaming on him with angel light ! 

" Thy home, thy rest, sweet one ! fore'er, — 

My love, my heart, my throne to share ! 

Ko parting more, no sad adieu, 

To bear me from thy loving view ! — 

Oh ! thou hast suffered, precious life ! 

How suffered ! through that direful strife ! 

But, parted we, love, not in vain. 

For now I clasp thee, mine again ! 

Mine own ! all mine ! in this bright hour 

When victory ours ! and thou, my flower ! 

Full soon, as Queen with me to reign 

O'er loving hearts — and happy Spain ! 

But throne, and life, would I resign 

Now thus again to call thee mine ! 

For Crown and all of Life to me, 

Were nothing worth, save shared with thee. 

" Oh ! when I saw this lovely form. 
Afar, from out the battle-storm. 
As Angel bright amid the cloud. 
My soul was dark with anguish bowed ! 



PELAYO. 233 

Alone, upon that Cross so clinging, — 

Wliile loud, wild shouts of strife were ringing ! 

So frail, so anguished, helpless, pure ! 

Scarce could the sight mine eyes endure ! — 

But all is over, — joy-notes ring, 

And light with love our souls shall sing 

A gushing Anthem, soon to raise 

With our brave band in sacred praise. 

For list ! how rises on the air 

The vesper-call for thankful prayer ! 

For ' Te Deum ' all souls to sing 

In joyous, grateful offering ! " 

Now wend they thro' fair grove and bower 
So sadly passed at dawning hour ! — 
How changed each aspect since the morn, 
When all frowned dark to hearts forlorn ! — 
Sweet fragrance from the orange trees 
As incense rises on the breeze. 
From bud and flower 'mid shining green, 
As happy passed the fair Bride-Queen ; 
And blossoms fall on her pure brow. 
As gently sways each drooping bough. 
While violets bending 'neath her feet, 
Send up their perfumes freshly sweet ; 



234 ' PELAYO. 

And gay the tiny feathered choh-, 
Ring out in Nature's full-toned lyre 
Victorious strains of minstrelsy, 
In merry flight, from tree to tree ; — 
And bounding steps spring blithe along, 
With eyes of light and souls of song, 
Their rapturous praise to offer here. 
For loved ones saved ! — for Victory dear ! 
And maidens, wreathed with lilies white 
All glist'ning fair with dew-drops bright, 
Around brave lovers' brow, now wind 
Chaplets of Laurel, Bay entwined. 

But as they reach the Altar-rock, 
Behold the happy mountain-flock 
Count Eudon, prostrate, 2:)enitent 
Before the Cross, in sackcloth bent ! 
Before the Saviour's image there. 
His burden full, of grief, laid bare, — 
Repentant of each fault and sin, 
Forgiveness, praying, now to win ! 
Who, in his anguish, deep, sincere. 
Remorseful in the Padre's ear 
Had poured the tale of grievous woe. 
That leagued him with his country's foe !— 



PELAYO. 235 

And thus before all eyes, would he, 
The People should his sorrow see. 
For perjured faith and honor's loss, 
Him suppliant 'neath the Saviour's Cross. 

Slowly he turned, and raised his face, 
Down which the scalding tear-drops chase ; — 
" Thou seest a sadly erring one. 
Repentant for all evil done ; 
Who, none but God in Heaven doth own, 
Bending to Him and Christ alone, 
Praying, most humbly here and free, 
That he forgiven full may be ! " 

Now raised the Priest the Penitent, 
And o'er him praying, humbly bent. 
Signing the Cross, on ashened head, 
With Holy water, freely shed, — 
While words of comfort chanted he, 
Of God's great mercy, full and free ! 
How, sinners vile, repentant, may 
Beam white as snow in God's pure ray ! 
Then, from his shoulders casts aside 
The ashen vesture, that doth hide 
The robe of white, all purely fair, 
Symbol of that his soul should wear. 



236 PELAYO. 

Raising his eyes toward Heaven, he said,— 

" Great God ! Thy gracious hand hath led 

Unto the Cross, this erring son, 

Who turneth from his evil done ; 

From Thy fair path late gone astray, 

Doth now for pardon, anguished pray ! 

Hear him, O Father ! save and bless 

Thy suppliant in the wilderness 

Of sin, as earth, — for sworn hast Thou, 

' The soul that unto Me doth bow, 

The contrite sinner, will I shrive. 

And save his guilty soul alive ! ' 

Therefore, shall I not plead in vain, — 

Keceive I in Thy Fold again 

The one lost Lamb, — the Penitent ! 

And thus, through me, Thy servant sent. 

Thy Blessing on his head I lay. 

Absolving him from error's way ; 

And offer ' Holy Sacrament ' 

Unto Thy child, now penitent ; — 

The blessed Eucharist receive. 

In name of all thou dost believe ; 

The ' undivided Trinity,' 

Bless thee through all Eternity." 



P E L A Y O . 237 

Then, from the Altar lifting up, 

The Blessed Bread, and Sacred Cup, — 

Unto him kneeling, solemn said, — 

" Receive from me the Holy Bread, — 

' The Bread of Life,' in faith partake, 

And Covenant with Heaven make. 

By faith, Christ's blood shah ransom thee, — 

His, who once died on Calvary, 

Who said, — ' In memory of me 

Do this ; ' — thus, henceforth, pardoned be — 

Therefore, through Christ, absolved thou art, — 

God's blessing thine, — in peace depart." 

Quick now advance the Royal Pair ; — 
'Mid tears of joy the daughter fair 
Enfolds with filial tenderness 
Her sire, in loving, fond caress ; — 
From King and nobles there around. 
Congratulations warm resound. 
And, as in Heaven, on earth there beamed 
Joy through each soul, for one redeemed. 

"N'ow, seated on the rural throne, 

The King, with his loved bride, 
Blooming as mountain-rose fresh blown, — 

The Father by her side ; 



238 P E L A Y O . 

And Alphonse, tiny Eros-boy, 

E'er near his Psyclie-Queen, 
In smiling, radiant, youthful joy 

Of petted child, is seen 
With silken locks oft sly to play 

Of waving, golden sheen 
That on foir shoulders sunny lay, 

As halo's rays, I Aveen ! — 
And every heart beats joyously, 

Each soul with hope is light. 
Here in the merry mountain free. 

For glorious victory bright ! 
And, by his Royal master near, 

Standeth in noble pride, 
Gomez, who through all paths of fear. 

Still by his King doth bide ; 
Gomez, who well hath played good-sword 

In yonder dark ravine 
'Gainst the departed Moslem horde. 

With Braves round King and Queen. 

Now grave about the Altar stand 

The Fathers of the flock. 
Loved shepherds of the wandering band 

Beside the flower-decked rock ; — 



P E L A Y O . 239 

While pseans' gay, triumphant note 

Far on the breeze doth float, 

Till full " Laudamus " clear resounds 

Throughout Auseva's bounds, 

An offering, in melody 

For great and glorious victory ! 

TE DEUM LAUDAMUS. 

God hath heard His children cry, 
God, in mercy, hath drawn nigh, 
God, our Father, blessed be, 
God ! and Holy Trinity ! 

" Maria Madre " on us smiled ; — 
From the Cross that bore her child, — 
With a Sainted Angel bright. 
Blest us, through the Moslem fight ! 

We were weak, but on our side 
Did the Blessed Lord abide ; 
Else, when foes upon us rushed. 
Death these voices would have hushed. 

Praise the Lord ! Who, through the fray, 
Gave us not as Moslem prey ! — 



240 P E L A Y O . 

Our salvation wrought hatli He, 
Glory ! Praise to Him e'er be ! 

Not by our own sword, or arm, — 

" His Right Arm," — saved us from harm ; 

O'er us still, in loved defence. 

Shines His loving countenance. 

The Lord appears for us and ours, 
Our stay and shield thro' battle-hours ; 
The Lord our enemies o'er-throws, — 
Dashes in pieces all our foes ! 

Then not to us, O Lord ! but Thee, 
Alone the power and honor be ; 
For Thou, the Lord, great things hast done, 
Rejoice ! the victory God hath won ! 

Oh ! bless the Lord, Who victory bore. 
From this time forth, for evermore ; 
Bless Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, — 
Forevermore, Auseva's host ! 

The waters dark our foes have crowned, 
O'er wicked souls, loud they resound ; 
The waters deep flow o'er the proud, — 
O'er their vUe souls in fury loud ! 



P E L A Y O . 241 

Glory to God ! Who victory won — 
Glory to Jesus Christ His Son ! 
Glory to the Holy Ghost, 
Ever sing our Christian Host. 

As we erst to Thee did bow, — 
As we offer praises now, — 
In homage evermore we bend, 
Glory to God ! World without end ! 

As dying now, the notes of song 
Are echoed o'er the hills along, 
While bright the sky, all crimson dresi, 
Reflects rich hues from out the west, 
Rose-colored, o'er the gathered there. 
As some rare picture glowing fair ; — 
Throne, Altar, groupings, beauteous shown. 
To perfect full the tableau's tone ; 
While maidens bright, with upraised hands, 
As Floral Nymphs,, or Sylphide bands. 
Spring dancing forth from myrtle bowers. 
Bearing wreathed coronals of flowers 
With swaying arms, and glancing feet, 
That to their sUv'ry song time beat, — 
Waving in palms of lily white. 
Fair coronets of blossoms bright, 
n 



24:2 P E L A Y O . 

Shedding their perfume rich, o'er all, 
In waving, graceful, rise and fall, — 
And thus those Oreads fondly bear 
Their off'ring toward the Royal Pair. 

A tableau still before the throne ! — 

While two, who there most beauteous shone 

On poised feet, with bending sway, 

In liquid notes chant forth their lay, — 

While yet another to the sight 

The scene presents, in shade and light ; 

For Maidens, Priests, and Warriors there, 

Combine to form a whole most rare. 



SONG OF THE MAIDENS. 

All hail to the Fair and the Brave ! 

Hail ! hail to the Queen of our Love ! 
Hail Pelayo ! his land who doth save. 

Bringing Peace to our Ark with his Dove. 

We have come from the bright orange grove, 
Where creepeth the green myrtle-vine, 

'Mid her buds and her blossoms to rove, — 
A Wreath for our Queen-Bride to twine. 



P E L A Y O . 243 

And we've pilfered the Violet fair, 

From her moss-grown and shady retreat, 

Its richness of perfmne to bear. 

With the Jasmine, in soul-breathing sweet. 

And down in the valley afar, 

Where the streamlets are ever at play, 

We have wandered, where sunbeam, or star, 
Scarce may peep but with glimmering ray. 

Where, at midnight, the Fairies, all sprightly. 

Oft gather in mystical ring, 
To dance on the mossy banks lightly. 

As blossoms they sportively fling, 

While Elfins in green leaves are floating 
O'er rippling and bright silv'ry spray ; — 

In their tiny and gay mimic boating 
To frolic, in wild, merry play. 

And we've gathered the Blossoms there lying, 
The Flow'rets the Fairies threw by, 

With the Drops from the Elfin-spray flying — 
Dew-gems, in their leaf-boats, that lie. 

As a Charm for the Fair and the Brave, — 
An Amulet, precious with light. 



244 P E L A Y O . 

To guard and to bless and to save, 

From darkness, and sorrow, and blight ! 

And we've gathered the Lilies there pure, 
Enfolded in love-leaves of green. 

All nestling, so fondly secure. 
For the brow of our Lily-souled Queen. 

And still farther down by the river. 
Where taller their sisters are grown, — 

Adown where the light aspens quiver, 
Court Lilies, have culled, freshly blown. 

The Asphodel fair in her pride. 
The Lily of sun-light and power. 

For the Wreath of our Palace-born bride. 
With the modest Forget-me-not flower. 

And sweet Water-Lilies of white. 

Their beauties that lave in the stream. 

Raising forth their pure heads to the light 
From the waters that sparklingly gleam 

With joy, that within their fond breast 
The dear-ones so calmly repose, 

Li the bosom so trustingly rest, 
Whose love-tide unceasingly flows. 



P E L A Y O . 245 

As hearts, fond, of Spain's Christian land, 

Now enfold Royal Lilies of light 
In the bosom of Auseva's band 

Whose souls well with love ever bright. 

And bright in her silvery sheen 

The Tuberose we fondly enwound. 

For it breathes of the mind of our Queen, 
Imparting sweet richness around. 

And the Rose, pure and white, still we place, — 
The queen of the flow'rets most fair, 

For our Queen, who o'er all beareth grace. 
In the Wreath we now lovingly bear. 

We have come from the grove and the fountain. 
Have roamed o'er the heath, wild and free. 

O'er the green, sunny side of the mountain. 
To gather our Love-gifts for thee ; 

We have come from the blossoming bowers. 
Where the buds and the flow'rets grow fair, 

Where the Cistus its perfumed leaves showers. 
Silver sheen o'er the moss-carpet there. 

Breathing out all the night its sweet breath. 
As the Bride on her fond lover's breast, 



246 P E L A Y O . 

The Hero, who saveth from Death 
His people, and bringeth them rest. 

And we bear their bright buds in the hand, 
And their fragrance we bear on our feet ; 

A grateful and happy Queen-band, 
With offerings of love now to greet. 

And a Chaplet, still worthy have we 

For the King of all hearts — for the Brave,- 

Glowing leaves from the shining Bay-tree, 
And branches the Laurel doth wave, 

With Oak, and blest Amaranth twined, 
Bright " Immortelle " fair ever to be. 

We fondly, our Liege, have enshrined 
In a Coronal off'ring to thee. 

And blossoms we'd evermore spread 

In the path of our Monarch and Queen, — 

Fair buds, their sweet fragrance to shed. 

Rose and Laurel, with fresh Myrtle green. 

• 
From us, at thy feet, then receive 

The Theme that we florally weave. 

Symbolic of virtues most rare. 

Breathing type of the Brave and the Fair. 



P E L A Y O . 247 

Nay, nay, fair maidens ! " cried the King, 
" Not at our feet such off 'ring fling ! 
From hands so fair, the gift, I trow, 
Should only rest upon our brow." 
And kindly bending, King and Queen 
Are fondly crowned in floral sheen ; 
While Royal thanks and Queen's caress, 
Perfect the maidens' happiness. 

And now the day is bravely done. 
All brightly sinks the setting sun ; 
While happy hearts in joy repair. 
Evening repast and rest to share, 
Each to his mountain-bower of light, 
In joyous dreams to pass the night, — 
Dreams, not with dawn to fade away. 
But shine more truthful with the day, — 
To prove, no myth or idle tale 
Their victory in Deva's vale ! — 
That soon, Spain's gates shall open wide, 
By easy battle's conquering tide. 



CANTO IX. 

How changed all hearts since that sad morn 

When Zillah left her bridal bower, 
In fearful wretchedness forlorn ! — 

Now, blooming as the mountain flower ! 
Joyous they wend their happy way 
Through flow'ry paths where brooklets play,- 
Fair Zillah, at this sunset hour. 
With Husband, Father, to their Bower ! 
Eager to show her sire how fair 
Her forest-home with beauties rare ; — 
O'erjoyed, that father now should rest 
Within her own wild mountain-nest. 

Pensive the father, as he cast 
His thoughts o'er present and the past, — 
On his poor, suffering, gentle child, 
Thus fleeing to the mountain- wild 



P E L A Y O . 249 

To sufter hardships new and strange, — 
As rustic maiden, here to range ! 
And gazing sadly, — on her brow 
Fond kisses prest, exclaiming — " Thou ! 
O thou ! so nursed in palaces, my child ! 
To dwell within this mountain wild ! 
O brave young heart ! 'tis those like thee 
Are worthy of Spain's soil to be ! — 
And base my soul with infamy. 
To turn one moment e'en from thee. 
My Country, when the frail and pure, 
For thee so nobly could endure ! " 

" N'ay, father dear ! " she fondly cried, 
" The past is o'er, — all cast aside, 
Save but as lessons in our sight, 
To profit in the future bright." 

How gazed the King with loving pride 
Upon his joyous forest-bride ! 
So happy here her sire to greet 
With welcome fond to their retreat ! 

" See, father, see ! our mossy lawn ! 
Our fountain bright ! — my gentle fawn ! — 



IV 



250 P E L A Y O . 

How fond with pleasure beams his eye 

To view the loved ones drawing nigh. 

JEstrella mia ! pleased art thou 

To see thy mistress smiling now ? 

Ay ! well thou know'st this sad, sad dawn, 

No word had she for thee, my fawn. 

" And list my cushat-doves so sweet, 
Cooing, in welcome now to greet 
Us home again to fairy bowers 
Where love fills up their life, as ours. — 
N'ow, father, see my hiding place, 
That eglantine and wild-rose lace 
With clinging tendrils freshly fair 
That bud and blossom ever bear ! 
Had ever birdling fairer nest ? — 
By loving mate more fond carest ? 
And oh ! how happy now, to see 
My father dear thus safe with me ! 

*' Search for the entrance ! Father, look I 
Was ever so secure a nook ? " 
Parting the branches, bright she smiled, — 
" Behold ! the nest of thy dear child ! 
What say you now ? " as enter they 
Where clear stalactites sparkling play 



P E L A Y O . 251 

Around the hall of marble white, 

Reflecting many a mirrored light, 

Fresh decked with flowers by maiden hand, 

Tender and loving of their band ; 

And cushions, carpet richly green 

Of freshest moss, are beauteous seen. 

" Nay, rest not here ! " and, as a bird. 

Her joyous tones are ever heard. 

As gliding, flitting through each nook. 

And hall, and chamber, crying, — " Look ! " 

Till now, quite near her own boudoir, 

A spacious chamber, covered o'er 

With fresh-culled flowers of every hue, 

Bespangled with the evening dew, 

And pillowed couch of fragrant heath 

Of purple, and elastic wreath. 

Made soft with downy-covering, spread. 

From brightest breast of songster shed :— 

And Bead and Crucifix are there. 

For Orison and Matin share. 

While fragrant torch-light's gentle gleam, 

Fall on the senses as a dream. 

" See, father dear ! here shalt thou rest 
In this our Paradise so blest, — 



252 P E L A T O . 

This, thine own Sanctum calm to be, 
When thou to solitude would'st flee. 
Oh ! am I not joyous and blest to see, 
Thus Liege-love, and Father, both safe with me ! 
And I never would fly from my loved Eden-bower, 
For the richest of courts or the highest of power ! " 

Radiant in her bright womanhood, 
She beamed, as all of fair and good. 
With sparkling eyes and soul of light, 
O'er-flowing with love's ardor bright. 

" It is, in truth, fair child," said he, 
" A bower o'er blithe and kind for me ; 
And God, who guards the sparrow's rest, 
Hath fondly my sweet birdling blest. — 
God ever bless thee more, my child. 
Henceforth, as through the mountain-wild ! " — 
'Mid tears, he pressed her pure young brow, — 
" Receive thy father's blessing now." 

Followed the King the happy pair, 
Gazing upon his magnet fair, — 
But at her filial tenderness. 
Half sprang to clasp such loveliness ! 



P E L A Y O . 253 

The beauteous being good as bright, — 
Exclaiming, — " Angel thou of light ! 
My Star ! my blessing e'er to be, — 
Without thee, what were life to me ! " 

But now the evening feast is spread, 
And to the Hall the Sire is led, 
Upon the King's right hand is placed, 
While Zillah fair, his heart-side graced ; — 
And that gay banquet freely crowned 
With every good the Mountain found, 
Of viand, draught, or fresh fruits rare, 
That richest grove or viae may bear ; — 
While Nobles high, and Warriors bold. 
Bishops and Friars, Padres old. 
And Maidens fair, are seated round. 
In honor of the Father found. — 
Above, around, droop garlands sweet, 
Blossoms of brightness, close to meet 
The eye and cheek and breathing sense. 
With fragrance, as of rare incense. 

Marvels the Sire that Wild so lone 
Should all of banquet's share thus own, 
Sweeter and richer far than e'er 
His patios, parks, or vineyards bear ! 



254: P E L A Y O . 

And gay the merry cup goes round, 

That freshly innocent is found ; 

And bright the glance from loving eyes, 

'Mid badinage and keen replies ; 

While speak the grave of all the past. 

And of that effort, now the last. 

When, with well-planned and boldest stroke, 

Brave Spanish sons shall rend their yoke, — 

The last frail link that bindeth down, 

And King and Queen all happy crown 

With loud acclaim, free banners float, 

God's Cross upraised, and Yictor-note ! 

Fain would they from Count Eudon hear 

Of much that hath not reached their ear ; 

Afar thus in the mountain-wood, 

Of all unknown, of ill or good. — 

Briefly he spake of erring ones, 

The Renegade, Apostate sons ; 

The fall'n from Faith — through craven fear, 

Renouncing all of Truth most dear ; 

Some, through the sordid hope of gain, — 

Some for their towers and lands of Spain ; 

Others, by wicked led astray. 

All wretched on their trait'rous way ; — 



P E L A Y o . 265 

Needing compassion greatly now, — 
For perjured faith and broken a^ow 
Have eaten, vulture-like, within, — 
Penance enough for every sin ! 

Of Julian, still they'd further know : — 
" How fares he with the Moslem foe 
Far in the East ? — 'tis well this day 
He came not near our lances' play ! " 
" Forbear your ire, for great his woe. 
Since leagued Count Julian with the foe ! 
The tree that seemeth freshly fair, 
May canker at the root still bear. — 
Hatred, he reads in every eye, — 
The Christians curse him, passing by ! 
Men whisper, as he wends forlorn, 
And turn away in bitter scorn I 
And mothers, should he chance pass by, 

Snatch close their infants to the breast, 
Lest on them glance his traitor eye, 

* The evil eye^ upon them rest ! 
Till, his at length that bitter ban, — 
The loathing of his fellow-man ; 
While now, the direct curse of all, 
To loathe himself, doth justly fall! 



256 P E L A Y O . 

Sulieman, too, suspicious still 
That yet the count may work him ill, 
Saying, — ' He who betrays his land, 
May traitor prove yet to our band ; ' 
Orders for his arrest soon sped, — 
But ere received, the count had fled 
To mountains of the Arragon, — 
A wandering, homeless, wretched one ! 

" The Emir, fierce to lose his prey, 
Quick crossed the straits where Ceuta lay, 
The Countess Julian and her son, 
To capture ere the day begun. — 
And now, as it was given me, 
A tale of fear I'll tell to thee. 
Whose horrors, chanced the very night 
The Bishop Orpas' soul took flight ; 
His traitor-body, bound in chain. 
Could not the summoned soul restrain, — 
That left its gloomy prison gate. 
For who may say what realm or fate ? " 



P E L A Y O . 257 

TALE OF THE COUNTESS JULIAN. 

At midnight hour, 
Within her Tower, 
The Countess grieved, 
All hope bereaved. 

O'er pleasures past. 
And joys, the last ! — 
When, sound of fear ! 
She low doth hear 

The solemn swell 
Of tolling bell,— 
As moaning breeze 
Through cypress trees ! 

When, sight of fear ! 
There doth appear 
Orpas ! her brother. 
Standing near ! 

His wraith ! full true, 
To mortal view ! 
All ghastly white, 
With eyes of light, 



258 P E L A Y O . 

That lambent beam 
"With flashing gleam ! — 
With grave voice low, 
And sad with Avoe, 

He mournful said, 
" Lo ! from the dead^ 
My sister, see ! 
I come to thee ! 

Avert thy fate 
Now, ere too late ! — 
Guard well thy son ! 
For bloodhounds run 

Upon his track. 
For death or rack ! — 
Guard then thy son 
Ere evil done ! 

His purity 
Might safety be, 
But, for our sins 
He^ vengeance wins ! 



r E L A Y O . 

Then, ceased his word ; — 
'No sound was heard, — 
Nor form was seen 
Where he had been ! 

" Roused from her stupor, — quick the ' Call ' 
Frandina,* for the gath'ring gave 
Of soldiers, warriors, chieftains all, 

Their infant master now to save. — 
Full true the spirit spake her then ! 
For lo ! adown the rocky glen 
Were seen the Emir and his host — 
Th' Armada, swarming black their coast !— 
By storm, at length, the Citadel 
Was taken, and the Fortress fell ! 
When, with an anxious, fearful heart. 
The countess sought her to depart. 

" ' Surely,' she said, ' within the grave^ 
My child, I still may hope to save ! ' 
And thus, among the vaulted Dead^ 
Her Innocent, she trembling led, — 
' In darkness, and alone to be, 
Thou'rt not afraid, my child,' said she. — 

* The Countess Julian. 



259 



260 P E L A Y O . 

' No, mother, they can do no harm,' 
Replied the boy, in accents cahn, — 
' And why should I my sister fear, 
Who loved me e'er, so fondly dear ? ' 
The Sepulchre, she opening said, — 
' Listen, my son, amid the Dead, 
With thy dear sister wait me here, — 
And silence keep ; — for much I fear. 
Fierce, cruel men now seek to slay. 
Or bear thee hence from me away ! 
And as thy life thou boldest dear, 
In silence now await me here.' 

" Then, up the Citadel, in haste 
Her trembling steps she quick retraced, — 
Soon to the Emir prisoner brought. 
Who for the child now eager sought. 
' Where hicTst thy child? full quickly state. 
Or sad, my dame, thy luckless fate/ 
Torture shall icring the truth from thee. 
Unless thou now divulge it free ! ' 

" With haughty bearing stood she there, — 
A queen, in stately grandeur rare ! 
' Emir, the truth is to me wed, — 
My darling child lies with the dead!"^ 



P E L A Y O . 261 

Then cried Alahor, — ' Soon we'll see ! 
Countess, thou comest hence with me 
To search a jewel we must find ; — 
And sooth, methinks, if I'm not blind, 
Thy child's concealment thou wilt speak, 
If not by words, in blanching cheek ; 
And thus, Condesa, show full well 
That which thy lips deign not to tell ! ' 

" Now search they every nook around, 
Above, below, and under ground ; 
While blanches pale her cheek with fear 
As now the sepulchres they near f 
But as they turn to pass them hy^ 
A light of joy gleams in her eye / 
Which, seeing, Yuza quick doth say, — 
' W^re leaving now our gentle prey ! ' 

" * Enter the sepulchres ! ' he cried, 
* JTfaith^ the Countess hath not liedf 
Then, as the tombs they searching ope, 
A strange, fair sight upon them broke ! — 
Within Florinda's * resting place, 
One dimpled arm thrown o'er his face, 

* Daughter of Count Julian. 



262 r E L A Y o . 

That clierub-child in Heavenly sleep 
Lay now, as Angel pure, to keep 
Watch o'er his sister's ashes dear, 
While fiends were searching for him near ! 
Where, through long, weary hours, had he 
Lain in his infant purity ! 

*' A brawny arm of soldier dread. 
Raised that sweet blossom from the Dead ; 
As Azreal's night-wings, bear away 
Fair buds, from darksome homes of clay 
To hearts that mourn ; — but not as he, 
The Angel dark^ to those who see 
With soul-oped eyes^ the vista bright 
Through which those buds are borne to Light ! 

" But, Azreal dark in deed^ is he. 
That to the Emir fierce could flee, 
With that poor birdling, struggling there, — 
While mother's shrieks pierce shrill the air ! 

" As bird for stolen young fierce flies. 
Pursued, that mother, with wild cries 
Of anguish to the Emir's feet ! — 
God help thee now, that foe to meet ! 



P E L A Y O . ; 

That cruel and relentless one ! — 
' Mercy ! ' she cried, — ' My child ! my son ! 
O Emir ! to a mother's prayer 
Listen ! and God will now and e'er 
Shed blessings on thee from Above, 
From His pure fount of Heavenly love ; 
Let but my prayer thy mercy meet, 
And I will kiss thy very feet ! ' 

" ' Now bear this frantic woman hence ! ' 

The Emir cried, — ' and guard her well ! ' 
And thus, with cruel violence. 

They dragged her to the dungeon-cell ! — 
No pity to the mother shown ! — 

No ray of mercy deep within 
That heart, hard as the ' nether stone,' 

And dark with all of earthly sin ! — 
Where rests that spark, O man of night ! 
Divine^ within thy soul's deep blight. 
The one pure drop to purify. 
And draw thy spirit Heaven nigh ? 
For e'en the rocky crystal's breast 
Will show, where dewy drop doth rest 
Within its heart, all stony bound, 
When dug from depth of darkest ground ! 



264 P E L A Y O . 

Turning to Yuza, standing near, 
The Emir whispered in his ear ; 
When, straight, that son of Ishmael wild 
Led out the innocent young child 
Forth to a tower, up staircase nigh, 
Until they reached its summit high ; 
Where on its battlement they stand. 
The fair child grasping close his hand. 

" ' Cling not to me, my child, so tight, 

There is no harm to thee ! ' — 
' Father, I fear not,^but tlie height 

Is wondrous great to see ! ' 
Gazed with delighted eyes the child ! 

Bright waved his sunny hair 
In the fresh breeze, that gently mild 

Played o'er his forehead fair ; 
And glowed his cheek at sight so grand, 

Where foaming billows reach 
Afar off toward the sunny land 

Of Spain's bright, glitt'ring beach ! 
Said Yuza—' Know'st thou, child, the shore 

Beyond those waters blue ? ' 
* 'Tis Spain ! the land my parents bore ! ' 

Replied the boy, most true. 



P E L A Y O . 265 

' Stretch forth thine hands and bless it then, 

My child ! ' the swarthy demon said ; — 
The trusting boy, no harm to ken, 

Unclasped his hold, — with upraised head 
Stretched forth his tiny hands, to bless 

His country, with fond, ardent glow, — 
When that foul fiend of wickedness 

Hurled, o'er the battlement below, 
That pure young form, far, headlong down ! — 
Where surges dash, 'mid rocks' dark frown. 
And sea-birds screech and waters moan 
His requiem, — that child was thrown, 
A shapeless mass, all crushed beneath ! — 
The foaming spray, his Funeral wreath, — 
The billows white, his ' Winding sheet ! ' — 
And thus — Death culled that Blossom sweet ! 

" The morning's dawn, that mother found 
Led from her dungeon, — chained and bound ! 
Dishevelled hair, and dark eyes wild. 
Told well, she Jcneio all of her child! 
Ko tear, no prayer, she offers now, — 
Content, her head in death to bow ! — 
For hopes aU crushed, and lights all fled. 
Since her pure child lay mangled ! — dead ! 



12 



266 PELAYO. 

To ' Christian pris'ners ! ' now doth call 

Alahor loud, — ' Behold ye here 
Count Julianas wife ! He, on ye all 

Brought ruin ! wrecked your country dear ! * 
Then, ordered he, that poor one ! lone ! — 
They, unto death, should each man stone ! 
But back they shrhik with horror all, — 
' ISTot upon Aer, — from us e'er fall 
The punishment he well deserves — 
For God, who ne'er from justice swerves 
Hath said, — ' Ye shall not harm or slay, 
Vengeance is mine, I will repay ! ' — 
The Emir vowed that each should die, 
Who would not with his will comply ; — 
And so, the Countess, thus, and then, 
Was murdered by her countrymen ! 

" Too sad a tale, list ye to-night. 
When all should breathe alone of bright 
And joyous deeds, in cheerful strain. 
To banish every thought of pain." — 
" Nay ! nay ! " they cry, " we needs must hear 
Of all the past, or gay, or drear ; — 
Tell us, we pray thee, one and all, 
Wert near Cordova in her fall ? " 



P E L A Y O . 267 

" I was," replied Count Eudon, clear, 
" But why me ask, Pelistes here ? " — 
" Because, when of this tale we seek, 
Pelistes briefly e'er doth speak, 
For he hath an o'er-modest heart, — 
!N'e'er in his own praise bearing part, 
And therefore, we but simply learn 
The Moor he battled in his turn ; 
That he hath hither fled, we know. 
And how escaped he from the foe ; 
But of his prowess, valiant, bold. 
Have ne'er, as yet, been fully told ; 
Well know we all, his spirit brave. 
That nobly perilled life, to save 
His cavaliers, — e'en twice essayed 
Through dangers dire to bring them aid, — 
And now, escaped his happy turn. 

Brave comrades fallen, captive still. 
How sad his heart doth eager burn 

Their chains to burst — his vengeance fill ! — 
And strong the hope, not distant long, 
The hour, when loud our Victory-song, 
Upon those captive ears shall fall 
In Freedom's hopeful, cheering call ! 
To rescue Braves from Moslem foe. 
To strike the fierce oppressor low ! — 



^6S P E L A Y O . 

Dark prison gates wide opened be, 

And Spain ! loved Spain ! all glorious, free ! 

" And now. Count Eudon, 'tis for thee 
To sound Pelistes' bravery, — 
Who, modest, humble e'er as brave. 
Denies us still the boon we crave." 

But ere the tale may yet be told. 
The " Pledge," from Fair, and Grave, and Bold- 
Must freely pass this joyous e'en. 
For Bride and Groom — for King and Queen ; — 
The toast in honor passed around, — 

All, save Count Eudon, seated now, — 
" Full happy here am I to sound 

Just tribute, — and for that brave brow, 
So bending now in noble shame, 
"Wreathe truthful laurels, — crown the name 
Of brave Pelistes, bright in glory ! — 
And thus, — I pass me to my story. 

STORY OF PELISTES. 

" While Taric swept around our land 
His scimitar, destruction bent. 
The Greek Magued, with motley band, 
To siege Cordova soon was sent ; 



P EL A Y O. 

Whose people, all secure, with pride 
Beheld, as inundation's tide 
Don Rod'rick, with his bands of Spain 
Sweeping o'er Guadalquiver's plain ! 
But, dire dismay ! the ' Fleeing ' bring 

Wnd tidings of their mighty host ! 
Gone ! fallen now, El Cid their King ! 

Routed the army ! — Roderick lost ! 

" Amid dire consternation great, 
Pelistes, haggard, at their gate, 
Leading a band of Cavaliers, 
Arrived, to lighten somewhat fears ; 
For well Cordova's people knew 

Pelistes' spirit, steadfast, brave ; — 
Him rallying round with hope anew, 

Cried, — ' Roderick is fallen ! thou wilt save ! 
No King, no Leader, now have we ! — 
Thou unto us as Chieftain be ! 
Defend our city from the foe ! 
Protect us, in this hour of woe ! ' 

" Crushed by his grief, — ambition free, 
Nought but his Country's woes to see ! 
Pelistes, for her suff'ring sake. 
Effort, though desp'rate, still would make ; — 



270 P E L A Y O . 

And answering said, — ' This is the hour 

To stand np "bravely, one and all ! 
Our city, guarded well by tower, 

And battlement, and strong built wall, 
May check the progress of the Moor, — 
If ye but promise to endure 
Bravely with me, the boon ye ask 
I'll freely grant, and to the task.' 
The citizens warm pledges gave 

To stand by him until the last, — 
With zeal untii'ing seek to save 

Their walls, and towers, till hope were past ; 
But, weak in faith, and strong for self, 
The wealthy, for their dross and pelf, 
Soon as they heard the Moslem tread, 
With gathered treasures, basely fled ! 
E'en too the monks, church, convent sacked, 
And, with their riches quickly packed, 
For mountains, or Toledo, all — 
City and Altars left to fall ! 

" Pelistes, though deserted now 

By craven ones, all frighted thence, 
Determined, yielding ne'er to bow 

While he might strike for their defence. 



P E L A Y O . 



271 



With Cavaliers, a scanty band, 
And Fugitives, in numbers small, 

Firmly resolved to bravely stand, — 
The city save— or nobly fall ! 

" Advanced that motley army then — 
Apostate Christians, Moslem men— 
By Renegado Greek Magued, 
And shameless traitor Julian led ! — 
While still afar from city wall. 
In luckless chance, it did befall 
That, wand'rmg Guadalquiver's side, 
Their scouts a Spanish shepherd spied, — 
From Cordova, the trembling hind, 
Whom, basely craven, free they find 
The city's secrets to relate, — 
How. guarded wall and tower, to state ! 

" ' The walls and gates,' said Magued, 
' Are they all strong and well guarded ? ' 
' The walls are wondrous strong and high, 
And soldiers guard them, ever nigh, — 
But, secret spot full well I know. 
Where entrance now can make the foe, — 
Which easily may soon be found 
Just near the bridge,— high from the ground. 



272 P E L A Y O . 

Here, I observed the other morn, 
That portions of the wall had worn, 
And falling, made a sorry breach. 
Which, by a fig-tree near, you reach, 
And so, with ease, the wall be scaled. 
When other efforts shall have failed ; ' — 
And thus, that traitor, vile as low. 
Betrays his city, — ^guides the foe ! 

" Well having marked the villain's tale, 
Magued there halted in the vale ; 
And renegado Spaniards sent, 
As if in flight— for safety/ bent, 
To seek within Cordova's wall 
Refuge and shelter, ere they fall ^ 
Who, to her gates all treach'rous fly, — 
With terror feigned, for entrance cry ! 
The tale well told — admitted they 
.Within her walls to wend their way ! — 
Vile traitors ! stealing in their fold. 
As Serpent of fair Eden old ! 
The kindly hands would rescue bring. 
Thus basely treacherous to sting ! — 
Where wiU such souls find refuge, pray. 
When shineth clear Eternal day. 



PEL AY O. 273 

And spirits dark, erst ' clad in light,' 
Stand full revealed, as forms of night ? 
No cloak of seeming virtue's fold 
Around their spirit-forras enrolled, — 
But, black, in bold relief to stand 
'Mid sinful souls — a fiendish band ! 
1^0 more to steal 'mid pure and blest, 
Or with the good and bright to rest ; 
Afar ! afar from loved-ones fair, 
Their home, their presence ne'er to share ! 
But, with their like enforced to dwell 
'Mid horrors, mortal may not tell ! 
Ay ! with their like alone to dwell! 
Worse penance than the dungeon-cell ! 
'JVlid fiends that all commandments break. 
From widow, orphan, — justice take ! 
Defrauders, causing suff'ring poor 
Mis'ry still greater to endure ! 
Deceivers, robbers, murd'rers all ! 
On whom just punishment shall fall ; — 
When withered souls, warped, cramped, and 
seared. 

Shall to their level gravitate. 
To dwell in darkness justly feared, — 

Their sure, as wretched, direful fate I 



12* 



27i P E L A Y O . 

^Now wait tlie fiends, the coming foe, — 

Their signal dark for treach'rous blow ! 

Till, on a wild, tempestuous night, 

The bridge of Guadalquiver bright 

The Moslem neared — in ambush lay, — 

While Magued steals his wily way 

With chosen men, and dark-souled guide 

To ford the stream, and by the side 

Of tow'ring walls grope silently, i 

Until they reach the wild ' Fig tree ; ' 

Where traitors, now within the wall. 

Await, to aid at signal call ; — 

Their turbans' folds they wind in cord. 

And lower to the Moorish horde. 

Who scale the wall, the opening reach. 

And safely pass within the breach ; 

A moment only now to wait, 

When, drawing scimitars, they hie. 
Quickly imto the ' river gate,' 

That openeth where the bridge doth lie. 

" The guards, surprised thus from within. 
Were soon o'ercome by Moslem horde, — 
The gate thrown open, — with wild din 

The foe, o'er bridge, thro' entrance poured !- 



P E L A Y O . 275 

With hasty zeal then sallied out 

The band by brave Pelistes led ; 
Who, soon all hemmed each side about, 

For refuge to a convent fled, 
Whose pond'rous doors they quickly close, 
As furious rush their fiendish foes — 
When, from each tower and battlement. 
They frightful missiles hurling sent, — 
And, thus assailed, the Moors retire, 
Not relishing such weapons' fire ; 
Forced from the convent thus away, 
They threat'ning cry, — ' Bide we our day ! ' 

" Pelistes now examines all. 
To find full strong each gate and wall ; — 
Massive, secured with bolt and bar 
The grated doors and windows are ; 
A cistern large of water there. 
Provisions, of a liberal share, — 
And so, proposed to ' Make a stand,' 
Until relief should be at hand. 
Fondly, his brave and earnest word, 
The cavaliers, with shouts, all heard ; 
Not one, but would in death have lain 
There nobly down for Chief and Spain ! 



276 PELAYO. 

" Three weary, anxious months, the band 

Defended bravely well, and sure, 
Their sacred walls, — most firm did stand 

'Gainst each assault of furious Moor. 
The standard of their faith waved high 

And constant, on the loftiest tower. 
That it might meet some Christian eye, — 

And ever through the night's dark hour 
A fire bright blazed, as signal call 
Of dire distress, to Spaniards all 
Throughout the country wide around, — 
That helpful succor might be found. 

" The watchmen from the turret gazed, 
Hoping, through each dust-cloud that raised, 
They might descry their Chiefs of Spain, — 
But ah ! alas ! they looked in vain ! 
For all that country, now, forlorn, 
Abandoned lay ! — of life quite shorn, 
Save Arab horseman chanced to stray 
Along fair Guadalquiver's way. 

" At length, provisions all were gone ! — 
And, one by one, they now must slay 
Loved chargers, that had borne them on 
Oft faithfully, through battle-day. — 



P E L A Y O . 277 

And miseries of famine sore, 

Unmurmuring, they wasting bore, — 

Pelistes meeting with a smile 

Of loving courage, e'er meanwhile. 

The good knight read their suff 'rings well. 

Which their wan faces plainly tell, — 

For them, more than himself to grieve, — 

And hence, resolved forthwith to leave 

And effort for deliverance make. 

If e'en thro' death, for their loved sake ; 

So to the Convent-court he led 

The assembled braves, to whom he said : — 

" ' Brethren, defending, moons full three. 

These sacred towers from impious hand. 
Privation, famine, borne have we, — 

My nobly brave, and suff'ring band ! — 
But now, starvation drives me forth ! — 

My cavaliers, ye know full well 
Our cause is desp'rate ! — sadly loth 

Am I, these grievous words to tell ! 
And chance but one, I see me now, 

All peril fraught, with danger rife ! — 
But, as your leader, here I vow 

To brave it, — e'en at risk of life ! 



278 P E L A T O . 

" ' Our countrymen know not our fate : — 
The morrow's dawn I'll hie me hence, 
When first is oped the city gate, 
To seek for aid in our defence. 
Alone, perchance I safe may pass. 
And unsuspected through the mass. 
Then, to Toledo speedy fly, 
Soon to return with succor nigh. 
Now mark ! upon yon moimtain high 
Should ye five burning lights espy. 
Be sure that aid is near at hand. 
And, hast'ning, gather all the band 
To sally on the city's heart, 
While I attack her outer part, — 
Her gates and bulwarks meantime siege, — 
Your prayers, kind nobles, for your Liege ! ' 

" And leading to the Chapel, then. 

Before the Altar prayed they there, 
Pelistes, and his loyal men. 

Kneeling before the Virgin fair, — 
When, rising, farther thus he spake : — 
' Now, ere I leave, this promise make, 
That, to the last, ye, one and all, 
Will bide within the convent wall ; 



PELAYO. 279 

Defend, as Christian brave men here, 
Your Cross and honor, ever dear, — 
IsTever renounce your Faith, or throw 
Yourselves for mercy on the foe. 
The renegado base Magued, 
Or traitor Julian, worse than dead ! 
And, as you guard this holy wall. 
Guard well your honors'-temple all, — 
God knows if we have land to save ! — 
If not, — then better in the grave ! 
Loyal and true ye've been to me, — 
True to my son, till death, were ye ; — 
Grieves me, I have no power to prove 
My ever true and grateful love. 
Save through this effort, peril rife. 
To venture thus my worthless life.' 
Pelistes, then, each, one by one. 
Embraced, as father fond, his son ; 
With loving spirit, saddened heart. 
As though in death they now did part. 
The warriors silent crowded round. 

Kissing his hands, — ^his garment's hem, — 
While tears o'er sternest cheeks were found — 

And thus he parted there from them. 



280 P E L A Y O . 

At silent, grey, and early morn, 

Forth from the postern, on his steed, 
He issued on that hope-forlorn, 

With shield and lance, for coming need. 
Just streaked the eastern glimm'ring grey 
As slow he paced his lonely way 
Through vacant streets, his charger's tramp 
Re-echoing to the Moslem camp ! 
Still, little would suspected be 
A single horseman, tranquilly 
Wending his way, thus carelessly. 
Through armed town, as enemy ! 

" At opening hour, he reached the Gate, 
When, entering, it was his fate 
A party, foraging, to pass, 
With cattle rushing wild ' en mxisse.'' 
Amid the herd and cattle throng, 
He safely rode his way along 
Unheeded, till without the Gate, 
When, at a quickened, rapid rate 
He spurred his charger's course aside, 
Alas ! not ere full well descried 
By Magued the renegade, 
Who, singly, hot pursuit now made. 



PELAYO. 281 

" Dashed on Pelistes, on Magued, — 
For bush or rock ne'er halting stayed, — 
O'er rugged height, through channel dry, 
On ! on ! still dashing onward fly ! — 
But now, alas ! grieves me to tell, — 
Pelistes' charger, stumbling, fell 
From top to base of ravine's height, — 
Rider and steed in woful plight ! 
Pelistes, wounded, bathed in gore. 
Successful flight could hope no more, — 
His charger maimed, — in quiv'ring fear, — 
While Magued, the foe, drew near, 
Exclaiming, — ' Senor Alcayde ! 
"Well met, in happy time are we ! 
My prisoner, now thou'lt humbly yield, 
And own me master of the field ! ' 
No answer then Pelistes made 
Save drawing of his right good-blade. 
With firm, bold bracing of his shield. 
That spake, — ^I die, ere captive yield ! 

" Desp'rate the conflict that ensued ! 
Their shields to pieces hacked and hewed. 
While armors' fragments strewn around. 
And stained with blood the mossy ground ! 



282 P E L A Y O . 

Seldom were warriors matched so well — 

That of such equal prowess tell ! 

Who, pausing oft, took breath, and gazed, 

Admiringly ! and all amazed, 

Each on the other, as they ' stayed ' — 

The loyal knight and renegade ! 

To disadvantage fights, howe'er, 

Pelistes, in this combat's share. 

For, wounded, he could illy strive. 

Which marking, Magued now but sought 
To take his noble prey alive. 

And weary only, as they fought, 
IlTot slay ; — for weaker still he grew, — 
Till kindled all his strength anew. 
To strike one brave and single blow ! — 
'Twas parried well ! — when fell he low, 
Senseless, and bathed in crimson tide, — 
The Renegade fierce by his side. 
His foot on fallen lance to rest. 
His blade's point on Pelistes' breast. 
Crying, — ' Now plead from me thy life ! ' 

But that brave knight lay as one dead, 
And passed away from mortal strife ! — 

Unlaced his helmet then, Magued, — 
And, resting on the rocky ground, 
By Moorish cavaliers was found ; 



r E L A Y o . 283 

Who, in Pelistes seeing life, • 

Now raise him from the scene of strife ; 

And aiding Magued on his steed, 

Back to Cordova slow proceed ; 

When as the convent pass they by. 

The cavaliers their Chief espy, 

As, nearly dying, he is borne 

Bleeding, and captive, thus forlorn ! — 

With shouts ' To rescue ! ' rush they out, — 

But, back repulsed, are put to rout ! — 

Within the portal of the tower, 

Back driven, by superior power, — 

Fighting all fiercely side by side, 

While blood flows free in crimson-tide. 

From court to Altar, aisle to nave, — 

Thus struggle still the nobly brave, 

Till, in the cloisters grim and grey, 

The fallen, dead, and dying, lay ! t 

And, of Pelistes' faithful band. 

Some few died bravely sword in hand. 

Others, disabled, pris'ners made. 

Were in St. George's convent laid. 

" To bold Pelistes' prowess brave. 
Great reverence the Moslem gave ; 



28-i P E L A Y O . 

And, while their captive, Arab-chiefs 
Sought each to cheer his heavy griefs ; 
Most kindly strove he should forget 
He was their hapless pris'ner yet ; 
And, when recovered, courteous gave 
A banquet, to their captive brave ! 

" In sable armor, sadly borne, 
Appeared he there, with visage worn ; 
For, evermore his country's ill 
With anguish great his heart doth fill ! 
Among the guests assembled there. 
Count Julian high command doth bear, 
Enrobed in motley garments vile. 
Of Christian and Morisco style. 
A close, and bosom friend, had been 
Pelistes, to the Comit e'er seen. 
Through wars of signal bravery, 
In happy days of loyalty ; 
But, when the Count would him salute, 
Pelistes turned in scorn, quite mute ! — 
Regarding him, through that repast. 
As one mikno"WTi, until the last. 

" "When now the banquet near its close, 
With com-tesy, the Moslem foes, 



P E L A Y O . 285 

Dwell on the merits of the brave, — 
The Christians, fallen their land to save ! 
' Those who so nobly did defend 
Their sacred walls unto the end ! ' 

" Pelistes, silent, bowed his head, — 
With lifted voice, then rising, said : — 
' Happy ! happy are the dead ! 
All their cares and sorrows fled ! 
In peacefulness fore'er to rest — 
Happy, they, among the Blest ! 
For they dwell in realms of joy,— 
Earthly strifes no more annoy ; — 
Their reward, receive they now, 
Glorious laurels for the brow ! 

" ' I could mourn my brethren brave, 
But they died their Cross to save ! 
Glory, honor now their share, 
While my country's woes I bear ! 
I have seen mine only son, 
My joy ! my hope ! mine idol one ! 
In his beauty, and my pride. 
Falling, martyred, by my side ! — 

" ' Friends and kindi-ed, followers all, 
As the leaves 'neath wild blasts fall, — 



286 P E L A Y O . 

Till my tears have ceased to flow, — 

All my hopes and joys laid low ! j 

" ' Yet, one there is, for whom I mom-n 
With never-ceasing grief forlorn ! — " 

The loved companion of my youth, — 
The noble heart, of purest truth ! 
Most loyal of all Christian knights ! 
Defender of his country's rights ! — 
Him find I not ! alas! alas! 
This grief may never from me pass ! — 
If fall'n in battle, and I knew ,' 

Where his loved bones might meet my view,- 
If bleaching white on Xeres' plain, 
Or deei^ beneath Guad'lete lain, 
I'd seek them out, and fond enshrine 
Them as loved patriot-saint of mine ; — 
Or, if sad driven from his home, 
As exile forced the world to roam, 
I'd join him on his hapless way, 
O'er foreign lands with him to stray, 
Where we, together, e'er might mourn 
Our country, of her glory shorn ! ' 

" At this lament, e'en Arab-heart 
Was touched, to bear in grief its part ! 



PELAYO. 287 

' Who was this peerless friend, ' they say, 

' To whom such homage tliou dost pay ? ' 

' His name^ PeUstes answered then, 

* Tlie narnie he hore teas Julian ! ' 

The Moslem started with surprise ! 

' Brave cavalier,' each kindly cries, 

' Grief must thy senses dim, we fear — 

Behold ! the Count before thee here ! 

Thy friend, thou knowest not ! look and see ! 

Count Julian here doth stand by thee ! ' 

' Then turned the knight his searching eye 
Upon the Count — nor deigned reply, — 
Regarding him with lofty air. 
That stern, contemptuous scorn doth bear ! — 

" Darkened Count Julian's visage now, 

Sank his shamed eye in troubled look 
Beneath the gaze from that pure brow — 

The with'ring scorn, he ill could brook ! 
Then cried Pelistes, — ' In God's name, 

I charge thee, man unknown ! 
Darest thou Count Julian so defame ? 

His name presume to own ? ' — 
Redden'd the Count, with anger deep, — 

' Pelistes ! why this mockery keep ? 



288 PELAYO. j 

Thou knowst me as Count Julian well, — > 

It needs no tongue my name to tell ! ' 

" ' I know thee as Impostor base, ! ' 

Pelistes cried, in deepest scorn, — 
' Count Julian was of noble race, 

A Gothic knight, all purely born ; 
Of race, Count Julian, pure and free ; — 
But thou, — in mongrel garb I see ! 
Count Julian was a Christian sworn, 
But thou — art Infidel forlorn ! — 
Count Julian ne'er did wav'ring pause, 
But foremost e'er in country's cause ; , ' 

And to his King, loyal and true ; — 
A Renegade ! in thee I view ! — 
Count Julian, living, brave would stand 
To strike for Cross, and King, and Land ; 
But thou — a hoary traitor art ! ! 

That of no country bearest part ! 
Thy hands are stained with royal blood ! 
Thy country's woes roll as a flood 
Of dire destruction, death, and blight. 
Through thee ! through thee ! thou fier " 

night ! 
Forswearer of thy Land and God ! — 
Thou worm ! fit only for the sod ! 



P E L A Y O . 



289 



And, thus again, I say to thee. 

Thou liest ! O man unknown, to me ! — 

My friend, alas ! is with the dead !— 

And thou, a fiend of hell here fled, 

To take possession of his frame. 

And desecrate his noble name ! 

Thou liest ! man unknown ! to me ; 

Count Julian, ne'er in thee I see ! ' 

And thus, the traitor vile, he spurned, — 

Then from the banquet proudly turned,— 

Leaving the Count o'er-whelmed with shame I 

Scorned e'en by Arab-chiefs his name ! — 

Now weaves my story happy close, — 

Escaped Pelistes, each here knows,— 

And thus, I pledge that noble knight, 

Whose name is crowned with glory bright." 

" Thanks ! " cry they, " for thy story now, 
Tha chaplet for Pelistes' brow," 
And, as the toast for him goes by. 
Rising, all " Yive Pelistes ! " cry, 
And—" Yive Pelistes ! " still doth ring 
With " Blessings on our Queen and King ! " 
As, with cheered hearts for victory bright, 
They, leaving, pass the gay " Good-Night." 

13 



ca:nto X. 

The silv'ry moon ascending now, 
Serenely shines on mountain brow, — 
With placid beam o'er heath and grove, 
Where happy lovers fondly rove ; 
Through leafy bowers and vale she played 
In mazy, frescoed, light and shade, — 
Through the dense chestnut foliage grey. 
In glowings soft of mellow ray. 
That dancing o'er the ripp'ling stream, 
On Deva's bosom glist'ning beam. 
And bathe Auseva's cloud-kissed height, j 
In full, resplendent glory bright. 

And sweet was the sleep, that all brightened. 
The Royal, the Fair, and the Brave ; 

O'er souls, now of darkness so lightened, 
Blest Peace her white pinions doth wave ;, 



'j 



PELAYO. 291 

And the calm, dewy twilight of morning 

Gleams fair o'er each fresh-wakened soul, — 
As blossoms, the mountain adorning. 

Ope their leaves to the sunbeams, that stole 
Through the mist, and the fleecy cloud rising. 

To their loved-ones, the buds and the flowers, 
All pure from their heaven-baptizing. 

Smiling sweetly in morn's dawning hours. 

Fair as Eden, the mountain beams brightly, 

While Deva glides vocal in song. 
As warm hearts, and gay feet, bounding lightly, 

With dance chase the moments along. 
And more exquisite now is the shading. 

From the mountain-tops glistening in light, 
To the woods' leafy hues, darkly fading 

In emerald shadows of night ; 
While the corn-fields lie far, golden beamiug, 

'Mid vineyards of purple spread bright. 
And the streamlet, that watereth, gleaming 

In sunlight, as silver to sight ; 
With gardens and orchards fresh blooming 

In varied profusion far hence. 
Their citron and orange perfuming 

The breeze, with their honeyed incense ; — 



3, 



The banquet, where glee and gay toast passes i 

The dance in the grove, to the mandolin's tone. 

tin, 
"Where brightly the moon, with her starr; 

shone 



1 



292 p E L A y o . 

Till calm steals the mild, glowing evening, 

When glory illumes earth and skies, ,' 

As day, with her gorgeous train leaving, ? . 

In rainbow-hued west, sweetly lies ; ,)1 

The heavens, all crimson m splendor, — V^ 

Each object, fair rose-tinted crowned, 

der 

While the soul glows with rapture more ter ' 

Inspired by the Eden around ! 
And clear flow the pure, sparkling waters, 

Bespangled with myriad stars play. 
As warriors, with Spain's lovely daughters, 

Entranced in their love-dreams, now stra^ ^ 
While the nightingale's song to their wooin' f 

From her bower 'mid the stately palm-tree 
With the dove her accompaniment cooing. 

Fill the mountain with sweet minstrelsy ! 

So merrily fleet now, the gay mountain-hours. 
Thro' valley, by brooklet, mid wild forest-flow^ 
The bow, and the line, and the rebeck, and son/ 
Winging the light, sylvan moments along ; 
The mimic tournay and bolero's light bound 



p E L A Y o : 293 

O'er the fond whispered vow, 'neath the perfume- 
leaved bower 

Of the jasmine, and myrtle, and sweet forest-flower ; 

While the bulbul still sings, from her breeze swaying 
lime, 

Her rapturous notes, that to love-pulse keeps time. 

The high and the low, alike happy are here. 
Afar from all discord, or envy, or fear ; 
For the vassals, apart, join in seguidille's song, 
\s the wild-forest moments flit gayly along ; 
While his love ditty carols the dark-browed Moza 
To his night-eyed Muchacha^ with tinkling guitar, 
Axxu light-hearted couples, all merrily met. 
Spring in boundings elastic to gay castanet ; 
And the dense chestnut shade, and the drooped 

citron-bough. 
Shelter sweet stolen kisses, and fond whispered 

vow, — 
Love reigns in cave-royal, in valley, and grot. 
And where is the Heaven where Love reigneth not ? 



CANTO XI. 

Theice the moon hath risen now, 

Kissing fair Auseva's brow ; 

Thrice sweet evening dew-drops rest 

In the lily's chaliced breast ; 

And thrice the morning sun hath smiled 

Upon the opening blossoms wild ; — 

Thrice the matin-anthems ring 

From joyous lark on dew-tipped wing, — 

When Queen, and Maiden-flow'rets, bright 

As bird or blossom of the wild. 
Are warned to plume their wings for flight 

From groves that have so long beguiled 
Their souls in sweet Elysium ; 
And as the startling word doth come ; — 
" When morning star shall next arise 
We leave our Mountain-Paradise 



P E L A Y O . 295 

The distant foe afar to seek ! " 
Paled, suddenly, each maiden-cheek ! 
At sound that flushed the warrior-band, 
And bright their patriot soul-flame fanned. 
Rejoiced, they from Count Eudon learned, 
" Thefoe^ that for new conquest burned^ 
Had turned them toward the east afar^"* 
When now might rise jSpain'^s morning star / 
Thus kindly. Heaven hath opened way, 
Asturia ! for thy dawning day ! 
Oviedo ! Leon ! soon to ring 
With " Hail Pelayo, conquering King ! " 

Spake to the band Pelayo then, 

" My brave and true Asturian men, 

Kaise now your good-swords yet once more 

Upon fair Esla's murm'ring shore, 

For lo ! Count Eudon true doth bring 

The Watchword we full soon shall ring 

''Neath Leoii)s rampart craftily 

As Moors^ from mountain-victory ! 

For little ken the biding there. 

The watery grave their brethren share 

'^eath Deva, chanting gay refrain 

In joyously triumphant strain ! 



296 PELAYO. 

And ' Alia Alcbar ! ' wide shall ope 
Old Leon's gates, — that we may cope, 
In easy conflict with the Moor, 
Successful battle — conquest sure ! — 
For Muza unto Afric's sands 
Hath drawn his horde of Arab bands,- 
Thus, vantage take we, to regain 
Just rights o'er Leon and our Spain. 
Too long our fair inheritance 
The base foe hold, — now, Muza hence 
In foreign wars, — we'll ' Beard his den ■ 
To plant our Leon high again ! 
Bright on the trampled soil of Spain 
We'll raise the Spanish throne again ; 
And, through Favila's native line, 
Spain's royal sceptre yet shall shine ! 

" Then burnish falchions, one and all. 
Brilliant to gleam at ' Battle-call,' — 
' Santiago ! Leon ! ' ring the cry, 
' Vengeance ! for Spain we^d bravely die ! ' 
Our Country's star now riseth bright ! 
Wanes low the Crescent, 'neath the light 
Of Holy Cross — right soon to sink 
In night — while we morn's glory drink ! " 



P E L A Y O . 297 

Listened the crowd in silent hush, — 
But now arose o'er rock and brush, 
Up mountain-height, a ringing shout ! 
Again, again, the cheer pealed out ! 
That told Pelayo well the tale 
How strong the hearts of Deva's Vale ; 
And how, still boldly strike would they, 
"When called again to battle fray ! 

Cried they, " Viva ! Chieftain ! King !— 

He, as Bird of Jove, shall wing 

From his eagle eyrie height. 

Brightly now, victorious flight, — 

Swooping o'er foul ravens vile, 

That, polluting, dark defile 

Spain's pure homes and Cross of light, 

With their impious deeds of night ! 

' Alia Akhar ! ' shall unfold 

Leon's Gates, to sons of old, 

' Techir yell ' and ' Lelie cry ' — 

Ever from Oviedo die ! 

" Lo ! the avenging hour draws nigh 

When routed Moors shall scattered fly 

From Christian walls ! while from our home, 

As Israel's sons, no more we roam. 

13* 



298 PELAYO. 

Rejoice ! brave, suff'ring sons of Spain ! — 
Kejoice ! your land ye'll soon regain ! 
Lift up your heads, ye hill-tops high ! — 
Spain's hour of glory draweth nigh ! " 

Again the shout'rose far on high 
Piercing the azure-vaulted sky ; 
Again the welkin full doth ring 
" Viva Pelayo ! Leon's King ! " 
And quick the buckler, gorget, shield, — 
And armor's suit for battle-field, 
Prepare the Brave, whose mountain-life 
Exempt had been from garb of strife ; 
For now the 'vengeful hour draws nigh, 
Wherein Spam's future fate doth lie ; 
And eager, sanguine hope pervades 
All hearts in mountain-groves and glades ; 
Hope, with her cheering radiance blest, 
Doth soothe each fear of ill to rest, — 
And, with contagious influence, cast 
Her rosy tinge o'er forest vast. 
Inspiring ardor freshly new. 
As bright the future beams to view ! 
And hast'ning feet and hurried sound, 
Of human voices echoing round, 



PELAYO. 299 

Speak of the morrow's parting-day, — 
The onward march, — the battle-fray. 
With zeal renewed, each momitaineer 
Glowing with hope, — in happy cheer, 
Reflecteth joy with kindled eye, 
As draws the hour of baftle nigh ! 

Apart, the King roves with his Bride 
O'er cherished scenes of mountain-side ; 
To ev'ry grove, and stream, and dell, 
Bidding a sadly-fond farewell ! 
Sweet memories, culling here and there, 
In leaflet dear and blossom fair, 
To breathe afar of bridal bliss. 
Passed in their forest-wilderness. 

Thus sped the day, — now in the west 
The crimson waves of sunset rest. 
When clear the silver bugle-call 
Rings out for vesper-prayer to all, 
Where Bridal Vow, and Regal rite, — 
Ovation passed, — where now, this night. 
Each shriven, — Blessing yet must fall 
Upon the assembled warriors all — 
In that fair grove, whence they repair 
For evening hymn and holy prayer. 



300 PELAYO. 

Again full swells the solemn chant, 
While sunny beams fall bright aslant 
O'er infant head, and maiden tress, 
And brave men's brow, as though to bless 
All, in this parting, sacred hour, 
With promise of Clod's loving power. 

Around the Altar now doth stand 

Urban, with Prelates of the Band ; — 

Centerio, awaiting there. 

In holy rituals to share. 

Rev'rent, amid the assembled host, 

The King and Queen appear foremost, — 

And, ranged within the circles three, 

As rank befits, the troops we see. 

Pure lilies, on the Cross still shone, — 
Who will re-place when fair hands gone ? 
Bright trickles still the silvery shower 
O'er Altar's sides and clinging flower, — 
While low before that moss-grown shrine 
The Regal couple now incline ; — 
Prayers, sacred rites, fond Blessing given,- 
And Royal souls are fully shriven. 

With Crucifix in hand upraised. 

Urban exclaims, — " Now God be praised ! 



P E L A Y O . 301 

Son of a heroed race ! O King ! 
That thou, in lawful line, mayst bring 
Unto the Royal throne of Spain 
Again pure Gothic blood to reign ; 
Restoring to thine own their right, — 
Sceptre unstained, and Cross of Light ! — 
God crown thee with all blessings bright ! 
God bless thee, Queen ! Star of our night ! 
Guide Thou, O Lord ! unto Spain's throne, 
The Royal pair we proudly own ! " 

To osier throne they now are led, — 

While still the Primate o'er each head 

God's blessing prays, and in His name, 

To souls repentant, grants the same. 

And prayers Centerio doth say — 

Shriven, assoyled in full are they. 

The Band, who now through twilight air 

Breathe forth their last, sweet vesper-prayer ; — 

And to the influence of the hour 

Their hearts attuned, from Circlet Bower, 

With pensive thoughts and mind subdued, 

They wend their way through forest-wood. 

And this the last, last happy rest 
Within Auseva's shelt'ring breast ! 



302 P E L A Y O . 

O children ! saddened now are ye, 
Passing from stream, and flower, and tree ! 
The dreamy, ripp'ling, soothing stream. 

The fragrant mountain-blossoms bright, 
The hazel groves, where moonbeams gleam 

O'er hearts all bathed in love's delight ! 
While warbles to his own dear rose. 

Sweet bulbul, strain of pathos deep. 
That on the soul entrancing flows. 

And senses in fair love-dreams steep. 
Oh ! sad ye wake from sylvan-dreams. 
Where all of joy and peace so beams. 
To clash of sabre, battle-day. 
Where frightful discord beareth sway ! 
Dream on, — for yet ye'U wake to light, 
To dawning day of glory bright ! 
Awake to see the Crescent wane 
Beneath the Cross of rising Spain ! 



CAl^TO XII. 

Fair breaks the dawn in eastern sides, 
High doth the lark toward heaven rise. 
Bright wake the souls of mountain-band, 
With forest-birds, by zephyrs fanned, — 
Blusheth the day on mountain-side, — 
Calm lie the valleys far and wide, — 
And silence rests all sweetly still 
O'er leafy dale and rocky hill. 

But up and stirring is the camp 
For onward march, — for battle-tramp ; 
And maidens, as rose-leaves, unfold 
Their lily-lids on mountain-wold. 

Astir the troop with ardor's fire, 
Astii- the woods' inspired choir. 



304 P E L A Y O . 

Astir fair maids, as gleams of light, — 
Astir each stream, in rippling bright ; 
And all is life in cave and vale — 
Donning of robe and coated-mail, 
And many a matin briefly said 
By warrior brave, and gentle maid. 

For they must leave ! and all things bright 
Seem grieving o'er the mountain flight ! 
The lark arose with mournful cry, — 
The breeze seems murmuring its sigh, — 
Deep shadows lie on mountain-breast, — 
Tremble the trees in sad unrest ; — 
Sweet blossoms raise their eyes of light 
Glittering with dewy tear-drops bright, — 
And dew-drops, too, in maidens' eyes. 
As Angels, leaving Paradise ; 
And brave knights turn with deep-drawn sigh 
From happy groves of trysting, nigh. 

And Zillah bright ! sad hour is this 
That calls from rosy bower of bliss ! 
From bird, and tree, and stream, and flower, 
So cherished through Love's happy hour ! — 
And e'en the monarch's eye grows dim 
Turning from spot so dear to him, — 



PEL A YO 



305 



Scene of his highest, greatest bliss, 
His Bower of Bridal happiness ! 
Where, in his hour of gloomy night. 
Beamed o'er his way his star of light ! 
His soul to cheer, to gladden life 
Through days of peace, to battle-strife, — 
When far from pomp and state away, 
Love reigned with free unfettered sway, — 
Unfolded full his pinions white. 
Within their breasts, of pure delight. 

And now, in truth, brief time have they 
In sacred grove High Mass to say ; — 
But ere they leave, beneath pure Heaven, 
In Eucharist, there solemn given. 
The blessed bread they all partake, — 
And thus their peace with Heaven make. 
The faithful, rev'rent. Christian flock. 
Low bending round the Altar-rock. 

Solemn swells the matin prayer, 
Sweetly float on morning air 
Parting strains of harmony. 
Minor notes of minstrelsy ! 

Soon, loud the silver bugle-call 
For mustering and gath'ring all 1 



306 P E L A Y O . 

And quick appear 'neath chestnut tree 
The " Flower of Spanish Chivalry." 

The standard bearer, with his Leon-fold, 
And valiant men, in ordered columns bold, 
Stand resolute, with hearts' proud beat, 
Impatient all the foe to meet. — 
Proudly the war-steed of Pelayo King, 
Tosses his rich-maned head with stately fling. 
Strikes with uneasy hoof the mossy ground, 
And neighing, champs the bit and gazes round, 
As he would say — " Now haste, the foe to meet. 
Eager am I to crush them 'neath the feet, — 
To nobly bear my gallant Chief along. 
And fearless face the invading turban'd throng! " 
And Gomez holds his master's lance. 
And helm, and shield, with earnest glance 
Of loving zeal, and ardent glow. 
To meet again the Moslem foe. 

Xow, with their train, draw on apace 
The King majestic, — Queen of grace, — 
Bright harbingers of brilliant day. 
Their only hope through troublous way. — 
Armed was the Chief, from head to feet, — 
Accoutred well, the foe to meet ; 



PEL A YO 



307 



While burnished hehn, and milk-white plume, 
As snowy wreath, his brow illume ; — 
" Liege-Ladyes," matrons, maidens fair. 
With old and young, are gathered there ; 
And " Men at Arms," with lance and spear. 
Bring up the column's glittering rear. 

Now on the mossy cliff they stand, 
Ready for march, the accoutred band ; — 
And — " Forward! " — on their way they go. 
Winding the mountain-path below. 
Fierce war-steeds neigh, to bugle blown, 
While casque, and shield, and gorget shone 
Glistening through oak and hazel green. 
With pennons broad, of crimson sheen ; 
Yisor, and helm, and crest of knight. 
With corslet's steel, all burnished bright. 
And battle-axe, as silver now. 
Gleam through each waving forest-bough. 

With sad " Farewell " they turn from bowers 

Of Eden beauty, where fair flowers 

Of love and joy had sweetly decked 

Their hearts' pure altar, when, home-wrecked, 

They found, in mountain-haven blest, 

A sanctuary of Heavenly rest, — 



308 PELAYO. 

Within fair Nature's sheltering arm, 
From cruel foes, a refuge calm. 

Thus, to notes of deep sadness, " Adieu " they now 

sing, 
Li fond, plaintive strains that with clear echoes ring, 
As cygnet's sweet tone doth all mournfully swell. 
Its sad dirge at parting — in loving farewell. 



FAREWELL TO THE MOUNTAIN. 

Farewell to the Mountain ! farewell to the grove ! 
No longer your pathways we merrily rove ! — 
Oh ! will ye, sweet valleys, thus blooming smile on, 
When we, your fond children, are far from you 
gone? 

No tear for your loved ones ! no sigh now have ye, 
For those w^ho are weeping their farewell to thee ? 
Bear ye no softer heart than your white marble rock. 
That may mourn for the loss of your fair mountain- 
flock ? 

Or smUe ye to comfort and cheer our sad w^ay, 
With hope of return, on some bright future day 



P E L A Y O . 309 

With the Leon upraised, and the Spanish Crown old 
On the brow of Pelayo, to Auseva's fold ? 

Where children of Spain to their mother's breast 

flocked, 
And in her fair cradle, all gently was rocked 
The infant of Freedom, — sweet Liberty's child, — 
In her Monarchy's cradle, — the blest mountain-wild. 

Oh ! yes, when we've parted, ye'll sigh in the breeze, 

And murmur in streamlet, and moan through the 
trees ; 

And your tears will flow fast down your lone moun- 
tain-side 

For the loss of your King and his fairy Queen-Bride ! 

For the light will be gone, and the beautiful fled. 
And your flow'rets, all drooping, will mournfully 

shed 
Their tear-drops of dew, and their incense of grief, — 
While only they bloom in the blessed belief 

That, as morning re-beams, after night's dreary hour, 
Their lights will return, brightly risen in power. 
To smile on their children, grove, blossom, and 

stream, 
That lightened their sorrows with beauteous beam. 



310 P E L A Y O . 

And ne'er would we stray from Elysium so fair, 
The hollow delights of a court-life to share, 
But sad, captive brethren, and country's loud call 
Admonish that pleasure is not here our all. 

Then, sweet Vale of Deva, all fondly, fore'er, 
Thy name in our hearts' deep recesses we'll bear, — 
And oft, to thy dear, precious bosom will flee 
In annual pilgrimage here unto thee. 

From trammels of court-life, and coffers of care, 
To Nature's calm rest, and the wild woods repair, — 
In Nature's majestic cathedral to raise 
Our joyful " Te Deum " of heart grateful Praise ! 

And young infant heroes, we'll hither, too, bring, 
To mark well Auseva, whose valley did ring 
With " Alia il Alia,'' and wild " Techir yell,'' 
Covedanga, where IshmaTs dark Arab-sons fell ! 

Where the Cross of Salvation on high shineth bright. 
Fair encased in our Syrian steel-blades of light ! 
And many a crescent, deep eaten with rust, 
'Neath Christian's light tread, lieth low in the dust ! 

Yes, here often our fair sylvan court we will hold, 
With brave knights, and fair maidens, in Druid 
groves old, 



r E L A Y o . 311 

Bright as Dryad, or Oread nymphs e'er were seen, 
,0r Titania's fairies on mystical green. 

Now blossoms of brightness they lovingly place 
On bosoms as pure as the flow'rets that grace, — 
Memorials, evermore fondly to wear, 
As amulet-charm, from their Eden-bowers fair. 

And as our first Parents from Paradise boAvers, 
Turn they, from the scene of their past happy hours ; 
" "We leave thee ! we leave thee ! " they mournfully 

cry— - 
" And grieve we ! and grieve we ! " seems echo's 

reply ! 

And downward now their course they wend, 

Through winding paths and myrtle bowers ; 
Turning full oft, again to send 

Yet one more glance, where joyous hours 
Of untold happiness had fled ! 
Where, from fond souls, Love's ray had shed 
Its halo o'er each bloommg spot, 
Whose breezes sigh, — " Forget me not ! " 
To each loved flower, and bird, and brook. 

Grove, hill, and dreamy hazel dell, 
The heath blown cliff", and mossy nook, 

To all, — a sadly fond fareweU ! 



312 P E L A Y O . 

A fair, goodly sight was that bold cavalcade ! 
King, Queen, and brave warriors, and fair, gentle* 

maid. 
And grey-beards, and matrons, and tender young 

child. 
Priests, fathers, and prelates, and grave bishops 

mild, 
All mounted, and houselled, and dight for the way, 
That leadeth to Spain's happy, long promised day ! — 
Palfrey, war-steed, and mule, as in rank they belong, 
Fill up the quaint whole of that strange, motley 

throng ! 

The King, on his charger, majestic was borne, 
With trappings that silver and gold rich adorn. 
With the star of his soul, his life's dearest delight 
By his side, closely guarded, on palfrey of white, 
While float her loose tresses as golden rays fair. 
In bright sunny beams, to the fresh morning au' ; 
Her 'father, and Inez, and Gomez all near, 
Urbino, Centerio, " Liege-ladyes " dear. 
Ad'lides, or guidesmen, lead cautious advance, 
While follow bold heroes to fiery steeds' prance ; 
Severian, Odear, Pelistes, close seen, 
With Alphonse ever near his beloved King and 
Queen; 



P E L A Y O . 313 

And liege-men and vassals stiU hast'ning along, — 
A loving, and ardent, united brave throng ! 
Asturians, Chieftains, and staunch mountain-band — 
The saviours of Spain, — their sad, down-trodden land ! 

Thus winding the pathway that fair cavalcade. 
Their banners and pennons in sunbeams displayed. 
While falchion and shield bears each bold cavalier 
In radiant file, with the lance and the spear ; 
And glisten their arms in the morn's rosy light, — 
Flash armor and helmet all glittering bright. 
Floats light on the breeze, their white plumes' wav- 
ing play. 
As windeth the band down its last mountain way. 

14 



CANTO XIII. 

No longer deep the bowlder's shade 
O'er their wild pathway densely laid ; 
But openings fair of gentle slope, 
Where sunny rays the shadows broke, 
And glades of smiling light were seen 
Spread bright in hues of varied green, 
By hazel skirted rich, where twine 
Clematis and the wild-rose vine ; 
And on the brooklet's bosom play 
Bright diamond drops in silv'ry spray. 
Where droops the willow fair, to lave 
Her tresses in the dancing wave ; 
And aspens bend in quiv'ring beam 
With waving grace to sip the stream ; 
While on her sparkling current's play, 
Floats, now and then, a blossom stray. 
That, bending from its sylvan nook 
To steal one dew-drop from the brook. 



P E L A Y O . 315 

Drawn from its j^eaceful home away 
O'er depths where smiling smibeams play, 
Is borne upon the rolling tide 
In merry, floating, dancing glide ; 
Till now, where swifter current flows. 
The flow'ret on its bosom glows, 
Far from its sister blossoms dear 
Sad drifting ofi" toward waves of fear, 
Where, 'mid the foaming torrent's leap, 
'Tis lost beneath the whirling deep ! — 
And such is wrongful Pleasure's wile, 
That, falsely laring, doth beguile 
The pure young soul to gently sip 
Her beaming cup, — ere long to dip 
Farther and deeper still in sin. 
Till waves of vice the frail one win 
To waters dark, where, misery tossed. 
That spirit pure, at length, — ^is lost ! 

Thus many a forest stream they past. 

And many a leafy dale, 
In windings of the mountain vast 

Through Deva's quiet vale ; 
Streams, whose clear waters sparkling bright 

From depths of untold purest ore. 



316 PELATO. 

Roll up their golden sands to light 
In glitt'ring waves, upon the shore. 

Still guideth e'er the King his Bride 

In gentle pace close by his side, 

With loving word and tender gaze. 

Through rocky steep and flowery maze. — 

" Light of my way ! how glows my soul 

With rapture's fire, that to the goal 

Of earthly life, in thy dear smile 

I may each care and grief beguUe ! 

Thus quaffing joy-beams from thine eyes — 

Mine angel strayed from Paradise ! 

To whose fair gates, thou. Star of light 

'Mid sea of storms in threat'ning night ! 

Wilt cheer with ever constant ray. 

As hast thou, love, since that bright day 

When first thou blest my weary path — 

My sun-beam ! 'mid dark scenes of wrath.' 

" Content am I," sweet murmured she, 

" Angelic, e'er to seem to thee ; 

But Cupid sure hath charmed thee blind, 

In me. Celestial bride to find ! 

In sooth, thine eyes I would not ope 

My faults to see, — but ever hope 



P E L A T O . 317 

To be, whate'er thou deemest right, 

And through thy praise become more bright 

In all of good, in all of true, — 

To be, all that I seem, to view ; 

And prove thy star of joy thus e'er, — 

Thy griefs dispel, or fondly share. — 

If love alone may gild thy way, 

'Twill beam effulgent as the day 

Through my heart's-flame, — that ever burns 

Alone for thee, — ^to thee e'er turns ; 

For as the sunshine of my soul 

Art thou to me ! my joy, the whole, — 

As flower, I live within thy light, — 

Apart from thee, must die 'neath blight 

Of hapless misery and woe ! 

And thus, I tremble much to know 

Again from me thou turn'st away. 

Thy life to risk in battle-fray ! 

Oh ! what this blooming earth to me, 

Or scarcely Heaven afar from thee ! — 

A darkened planet, — sphere of night, — 

Without thy rays of loving light ! " 

" Ne'er could I hide, sweet Bride ! from thee. 
The joy thy words impart to me ! 



318 P E L A Y O . 

For I would be the ray, the sun 
My Flower should seek, — her only one. 
But still, must e'er my precious Dove 
Remember there is One above 
Who, list'ning to the raven's cry, 
Will never pass my dove-cote by ! — 
Or darkly frown on birdling there. 
To droop her pinions, pure and fair, 
With anguished grieving for lost mate, — 
Leaving her widowed, desolate ! 
For God hath still a work to do, 
His Wisdom great, will carry through ; 
And I, his humble instrument. 
Must bide until my summons sent ; 
And thou, an arrant coward one 
To weep ere Heaven high hath won 
For us our Cross, — her throne for Spain, 
And sacred wall and tower again ; 
And thou. Queen of my life and soul ! 
With me, attain the highest goal 
Of earthly honor, human power, — 
Our heritage, of regal dower ! 
Then, daughter of a noble race ! 
Quick ev'ry recreant tear-drop chase, 
And summon back the radiant smile. 
That doth my every care beguile." 



PELAYO. 319 

In converse fond thus journey they 

With unremitting, rapid speed, 
Where Sella' s. Ana's waters play. 

And tributary streams, that feed 
Deva's and Ova's rushing tide. 
And Asta, that doth sparkling glide 
Far to the deep blue western sea, 
Toward rolling waves of majesty. 

And deem not we, our Pair, I trow. 
The only hearts that loving bow 
Beneath the sway of Cupid's bow 
In rapturous and tender glow ! 
For brave knights guide with mailed glove 
The palfrey-reins of " Ladye Love," 
And bright, from eyes of fair ones, glance, 
Rays, that all powerful as the lance. 
Pierce keenly, closely armored breast, 
To leave the dart therein to rest ! 
A hopeless wound, all deeply sure. 
That cunning skill may never cure ! 
And, as the badge of conquered heart. 
Each wariior bears in loving part. 
His " Ladye's Favoure " there as crest' 
Upon the war-plate of his breast. 



320 PELAYO 

Not merciless, fair tyrant foe ! — 

But deign to soothe the heart-felt woe 

Of fallen knight within her power, 

Ere yet the grievous parting hour ; 

For know they n*ot how next they meet,- 

In Coat of Mail, or Winding Sheet ! 

Thus, fondest tows are fully made 

In wand'rings through the forest-shade. 

Thus wend they all their way along. 

In gay discourse, — with gentle song 

Of cheering strain, or olden tale, 

As pass they from the Mountain-vale. 

And bright the wild-rose twineth now \. 

Acacia hedge and hazel bough ; \ 

While sweet the warbling linnet's lay 

Enlivens through the live-long day. 

And here beams dawning happiness ! 
For Hope has raised her light, to bless 
With promise bright of liberty. 
And thus all passes cheerily ; — 
On rosy wings, to sanguine hearts 
The moments flit ; — with passing fear. 
Returning peace gleams forth again. 
O'er vineyard, olive-grove, and plain, — 



P E L A Y O . 321 

Hope smileth now, while fading grief 
Dissolves as mist, or snowy wreath, 
Beneath her sunny influence bright 
To bathe all naturie fair in light. 

And clear glistening Asta, as morning doth wake, 

Shines bright in the sun's glancing play, 
That Msses her bosom's blue shimmering break 

'Mid flashes of diamond spray. 
And hamlet, and villa, and castellate towers. 

Rest dreamy in Morn's gentle ray, 
While lustrous green meadows, and rich ilex bowers, 

Beam fair in the blushing of day. 
Through winding moss-paths, hedged with pomegra- 
nate's glow, 
And dense olive-woods, does their way blithely go ; 
Where vineyards o'er valley and hill spread to view, 
With glimpsing cortijos* of white peeping through ; 
While vintagers busy are culling in glee 
The clear, purple pendants, as picture to see. 
When droop the rich clusters from basketed head 
Of vintner, returning with firm, graceful tread. 

Thus day passes brightly to travellers now. 
As wind they 'neath myrtle and broad chestnut 
bough, 

* Farmhouse. 
14* 



322 P E L A Y O . 

With occasional rest in the calm citron bowers, 
^ And fruit to refreshen the long journeyed hours — 
For berries or fruit surely lack they not here, 
Where temptingly glow they forever quite near ; 
And pure gushing rills in the sun's merry shine. 
To freshen and gladden still sweeter than wine. 

As eve draws apace, and gray shades of the west 
Are length'ning, more brightly the scene still is 

drest ; 
In fair sunset beauty all glowing the plain 
With waving spread carpet of rich golden grain, 
Groves of fig, lime, and citron, with orange buds 

white. 
Pomegranate, deep blushing in crimsoning light ; 
The shimmering aspen, date, almond-tree seen 
All smiling arrayed in the rare sunset-sheen. 

Bright riseth now the evening star, 
While sinks the western sun afar ; 
On homeward way, the muleteer 
Whistles o'er hill in merry cheer ; 
And peasants blithe, and goat-herds gay 
Return from well-spent laboring day ; 
And Spaniards breathe all newly free 
In hope of speedy liberty ! 



P E L A Y O . 323 

And light mantilla's graceful spread 
Falls o'er Mucliacha's* braided head, 
As fondly now she hastes to meet 
Her lover, 'neath the acacia sweet. 

And oft, clear ripp'ling streams they've passed, 

And oft a sunny dale, 
Since Deva's waters gleamed their last 

From out her lovely vale ; 
While orange grove, and fruited tree. 

And teeming blossomed vine. 
Still ever gladden cheerily 

Their road's extended line. 

Again they rest, as sunbeams fade, 

'Neath chestnut's calm repose. 
Where nestles sweetly in the glade. 

The violet with the rose. 
Again the mossy bank's gay cheer. 

Where pears, bright cherries shine 
From orchards richly laden near. 

With fruit of drooping vine ; — 
Their panniers, gen'rous stored, full rife. 

With all collation's share, 

* Peasant girl. 



324 



PELAYO. 

And thus> merry wM-wood life, 
Partake tbey sylvan fare. 

Now, all refreshed, again tliey rise, 

Their journey to resume; 
WhUe lightly gay each moment flies, 

That love and joy illume, 
Through woods and where the hrooHetstrrU, 

O'er purple heath, their way. 

With unslacked speed, they onward sUll, 

Till twihght fair doth lay 
Her gentle mantle o'er the land 

With soothing influence blest. 
Her fresh'ning breezes, soft and bland. 

On soul and brow to rest. 
The hour of holy vesper cahn, 

When evening dew's inspiring bahn 
Thes leaf and flower,-as doth the soul 

Angelic influence' sweet control,- 
The hour, when sacred vespers call 
The soul to commune with rts God , - 

But on the ear no bell doth fall. 

Ho sound, save steed's-trampoer the sod, 

Or rushing sweep of feathered wmg - 
In forest-bird's swift dartmgfligK 



P E L A Y O . 325 

That buzzing past the ear doth ring, 
Toward sheltered nest in wild affright 

Lest strange invaders seek his home, 
His dear ones drive from rest secure. 

All shelterless the wild to roam, — 
As Christians — scattered by the Moor. 

And though no altar now have they 
Round which, on bended knee, to pray. 
To starry heav'ns they lift their eyes. 
Where myriad orbs of glory rise. 
And breathe their Avis sweet, that float 
On evening breeze, in chanted note. 
Through boundless space of azure fair, 
*To Heaven as incense rising there ; 
While calm the silvr'y moon her light 
ISTow sheds to cheer the wanderers' sight, 
O'er glist'ning armor's steel to play 
In softly glancing, mellow ray. 

And through the eve still hasten they 
With quick'ning speed, their way along. 

Bright fire-flies sparkling in their way. 
The bulbul cheering with her song ; 

Till now the Convent's cross they spy 
Near — rising in the soft moonlight 



326 P E L A Y O . 

From hazel grove, where cahn doth lie 

That hermitage, — oasis bright 
To weary souls, and weary head, 

That fain would rest from lengthened way, 
With unremitting ardor sped 

Throughout fatiguing journey's day. 

List ! clear from out that dreamy dell 
The echoing tones of midnight bell ! 
Naught breaking else the stillness sweet. 
Of monastery's blest retreat. 
And here, calm refuge now must find 
Maid, matron, infant, left behind 
To await the band's advancing stroke. 
That soon shall break the Moslem yoke. 
And open Leon's portals wide. 
To ushur in, with loving pride, 
The fair, and innocent, and bright. 
To fully reinstated right. 
The silence of that midnight horn- 
Lay as a spell on grove and bower, — 
And on the souls of all most blest. 
In this calm sanctu'ry of rest. 

!N"ow enter they the convent hall 
As friars pass to midnight prayer ; 



P E L A Y O . 327 

And, greetings passed, join one and all 

In altar's orisons to share, — 
" Te Deum " and " Laudamus " sing, 

For God's great mercies to their Band, 
Through perils all, — Who saved their King 

To raise again their fallen Land. 

And soon the welcome cheer is spread 

Upon the friar's oaken board, 
Where Royal Pair and suite are led,— 

While all the mountain horde 
Are well supplied in kindly care, 
And lib'ral, with the choicest fare 
That fills the larder of the good 
And Reverend, Holy Brotherhood. 

Now, " Fathers," eager list the tale 

Of Christian conquest in the Yale 

Of Deva fair, whose crystal flood 

All purple grew with Moorish blood ; 

And of the coming battle-fray,— 

How, Muza having far away 

To Eastern shores his Host now sent. 

On farther conquest fiercely bent. 

The hour for vengeance full arrived ! 

Each soul prepared, assoyled, and shrived, — 



328 P E L A Y O . 

The Pass-word theirs, that wide shall swing 
Old Leon's Gates, with " Akbar " ring 
To open to the Christian throng 
The portals of her rampart strong ; — 
Where, once within those walls, full sure 
Destruction to the Invading Moor ! 
And Hope smiles o'er the cheerful board, 

And Hope smiles o'er the vassals all ; 
Hope whispers, — Soon shall fall the horde. 

And Spain arise from tyrant thrall ! 

l^ow weary ones seek night's repose. 
For at the morrow's dawning hour 

Depart the Brave, to seek their foes — 
To fell the Usurper in his power ; — 

Leaving them there, — Fair, Weak, and Dear,- 
^ Within the monastery fold. 

Safe from all harm, or chance of fear, — 
With friars grave and fathers old. 

Not free from grief each gentle heart, — 
Not free from care each Warrior bold, — 

Thus from his Loved and Fair to part ; — 
To loose the white arms' twining fold, 

Deeming, perchance 'tis now the last 

Ere Death his cold embrace shall give ! — 



P £ L A Y O . 329 

For who may say, — Through perils vast — 
Through conflict dire — safe shall I live ? 
But sleep at length falls o'er pure brow 
That on brave bosom resteth now ; 
And slumber sweet doth for a while, 
Oblivious, warrior souls beguile ; 
Wrapped in their dreams of varied hue, — 
Mazes of chequered web, wrought through, — 
" Love, — ^partings sad, — and grief, — and fight, — • 
Yict'ry ! — ^i-eturn ! " — they pass the night ; 
Till full, clear tones of matin-bell 
A double summons startling tell ! 
And trembling pulse, and heart's quick beat. 
Speak of the moments passing fleet. 
Ere severed, hearts of love and fear, 
For all on earth, — or bright or drear ! — 
Perchance for woe ! perchance for weal ! — 
Sad ! sad rang out that matin peal ! 

Brief moments, ere morn's dawning ray 

Piercing aslant the oriel pane, 
In varied hues prismatic lay 

On suppliant forms, low bowed again 
Around the holy chancel's pale. 

The Prelate's blessing to receive. 



330 P E L A Y O . 

With prayers that God will never fail, 

Or in their coming peril leave 
His children, struggling for their Cross, 

Their Land, and Homes again. 
And guard and save them each from loss, 

And raise their trampled Spain. 

N'ow the King before the crowd 
Raises clear his voice aloud : — 
" Asturians ! Spaniards ! Christian men 1 
Heroes of Covadonga's glen ! 
Yet again your arms ye rise 
For your Land, that darkened lies 
'Neath the yoke of foreign power. 
Waiting for the coming hour. 
Freighted with the zeal inspired 
That hath erst your valor fired ! 

Biding for the blow to fall, — , '| 

At the ' Leon battle-call,' — 
That shall break her heavy chain, 
Bringing freedom, peace again, 
To each altar, home, and wall ! — 

Liberty and joy to all ! — ( 

Well and nobly have ye fought ! j 

Bravely, on our Xeres' plain ! 



I 



PELAYO. 331 

Eager, e'en with life 'twere bought, 
Bold to strike for Cross and Spain ! 

" Onward ! in the name of God ! 
For your Cross and native sod ! 
He who face, doth forward fall, 
We will bear his earth-sins all." 

Now the Bishop chanteth Mass, 
Ere to combat dire they pass ; 
Shriven and assoyled are they, — 
Houselled, for the battle-fray ! 



CANTO XIY. 

Oh ! sad were the partings and bitter the tears, 

Of the brave and the lovely, 'mid hopes and 'mid 

fears ! — 
And in calm hazel grove, 'neath the green myi'tle 

bower, 
Severed fond Royal lovers at mom's blushing hour ; 
Close clasped to that heart where the fair silken tress 
Still lay as his amulet ever to bless. 
His charm and his guard from each ill and each foe, 
That tress from his Angel of earth here below — 
Fair Zillah, his blessing, his star-light of life ! 
With heart strung to terror at near coming strife ! 
And heaven-hued orbs gazing deep in his own, 
All anguished, from lids where the welling tears 

shone, — 
Sad moaning, 'mid sobbing of grief's bitter flow : — 
" Pelayo ! my life-pulse ! — Oh ! bitter the woe 



P E L A Y O . 333 

That bears thee again from my gaze far away, 
To peril thy life in the wild hateful fray ! * * -^ 
Oh ! thine honor is precious, — thy fame dear to me ! 
But rather the flower-decked ' Muchacha ' I'd be, 
With thee. Love, as Muzo,"^ in rustic-life wed, 
Than a thorn-woven diadem piercing my head,— 
For each hour we are severed is thorn- fraught to 

me, — 
No blossom, thou absent, in life I may see, — 
But trembles with terror, thy sad, drooping bride, 
Each moment, when parted, dear love! from thy 

side!" 

" Oh ! speak thus forever, my loved one ! " he sighed ; 
*'My soul's star! my blessing! my Heavensent 

bride ! 
Thus ever, for aye, would I still be the light 
To illumine thy soul and dispel sorrow's night ! 
But cheer thee, mine Angel ! my star-light of hope ! 
For easy the battle thine own Love shall cope, — 
Ay, easy the conquest and brilliant the hour 
That shall crush the dark yoke of the stern Moslem 

power ; 
And better by far, love, thou know'st it to be, 
That Christians should conquer and Spaniards be free ; 

* A Peasant. 



334 P E L A Y O . 

And thou, bearing roseate crown, my brave Queen, 
The sceptre should wield of sweet Love's purest 

sheen ; — 
That we 'neath Lovers diadem calmly should glide 
Down the stream of our fortune, all wisely to guide 
The helm of our country, — ^lead ever through love 
Our nation in peace to the bright realms above. 
Than ' Muzo^ 3Iuchacha^^ all useless to be 
In sphere never marked for our high destiny. 
While S]3ain, our loved Spain, in her chains lying low, 
Her Christians a scoff to the impious foe ! — " 

" Nay ! glory I, love," doth she fondly exclaim, 

" Full well in thine own and our dear country's 

fame, — 
And so Heaven in mercy but spareth thy life, 
I'll bravely still bid thee — ' God-speed ' to the strife ! " 

" God bless thee ! God bless thee ! my brave one ! " 

he cried, — 
" God bless thee ! God bless thee ! " she sadly re- 
plied ; — 
One close-clinging kiss, one heart-pressed embrace, — 
Fond kisses again on that tear-bedewed face, — 
And Zillah, — poor Zillah ! is weeping alone ! — 
The light of her life now departed, and gone ! 



P E L A Y O . 335 

Half fainting, she lies on the mossy bank there, — 
'Mid flow'rets, — a sad stricken lily, — as fair ! 

Soon mounted, the King, with his brave Christian 

throng. 
From the court of the convent now moveth along ; 
The Royal and Bold, stanch to " Beard in their den " 
The Moslem-Invaders and fierce Arab-men. 

Forth they pass in glitt'ring file, — 
Falling on them now the while 
Loving glance from mournful eyes 
Where the glist'ning tear-drop lies. 
Sad, her bower of myrtle through, 
Zillah doth the cortege view ; 
Ranks of burnished armor's sheen, 
Sad beholds, through branches green. 
As their light'ning flashes broke 
Through the waving elm and oak. 
Gleaming on her pure young brow. 
Blanched with grievous terror now ! — 
Snowy plume and helmet-crest. 
Honor's star, on knightly breast, — 
Dazzling streams of lance and spear, 
Glist'ning in the sun-light clear. 



336 P E L A Y O . 

Most noble, 'mid the gallant throng, 
Her Royal Chief, — ^borne proud along 
On Rod'rick's charger, happily found 
Wand'ring over Xeres' battle-ground. 
And led unto the convent-glen, — 
Sad relic to her Holy men ! 
Who gently tend the steed forlorn 
That mortal since hath never borne 
Until this morn, when liege-men lead 
Unto their Chief the noble steed, — 
And to the King of Leon's line 
The royal charger thus resign. 

'Twould seem he felt his master's race !- 
Arching his neck, with martial pace 
So proudly leading forth his way. 
As fierce again for battle-fray. 
Majestic, sooth, the war-horse trod, 
As deeming that he bore some god 
Of earth, or kingly hero bold, 
As erst he moved, in times of old ! 
For thus, through many a battle-day, 
Don Rod'rick bore he, 'mid the fray, — 
His regal master, grand to sight ! 
Through oft-repeated, deadly fight, — 



P E L A Y O . 337 

With curving neck, and milk-white mane, 
And tossing liead, that all marked well, 

So proud on Xeres' battle plain, 
Until his Royal master fell ! 

And then, alas ! 'neath fortune's frown. 

He laid him by. that master down ! 

At length by Christian sons was found 

That Royal form, sad wand'ring roimd ! 

With grief, Pelayo's heart had bled 

When thus to him the steed was led, — 

Poor relic of Don Roderick's pride. 

Last seen by Chrysus' crimson tide ! 

Exclaimed he then : — " Poor, faithful steed ! 

The kingly hand, that erst did feed 

And cherish thee, — oft led thee on 

To conflict's field, — is powerless, — gone ! 

But fear thou not — stilly master kind. 

And tender care thou yet shalt find, — 

My brave Orelia ! noble steed ! 

That proved so true in hour of need ! " 

As though his words the charger knew. 
All fondly closer still he drew. 
And on the shoulder of the King 
His head reclined, sad whinnying. 
15 



338 PELAYO. 

And now, he proudly bears again 
A King, to combat for his Spain ! 
And as of old, breaks spirit high 
In prancing hoof and fire-lit eye. 



" My love ! my life ! " exclaimed the Queen, 
As gallant passing, thus was seen, 
Her Lord and Chief to peril dire, — 
To rouse the sleeping tiger's ire ; — 
" Grant, grant thy war-trained steed may bear 
Thee safely through the battle's share. 
And speed thee to mine arms, sweet life ! — 
Safe, safe, from horrid combat's strife ! 
Nor masterless again return ! 
O God ! let not that sight e'er burn 
Within mine heart, — within my brain ! 
Better, by far, I lifeless lain 
Amid the cold and silent dead, 
Than thus, the vulture Grief be fed 
Hourly, — forever, on the heart ! 
Fore'er to pierce, — the poisoned dart ! 
Crushing all hope, and joy, and light, 
In one long, hideous, frightful night 
Of wild despair, and icy gloom ! — 
Better, by far, the silent tomb ! 



P E L A Y O . 339 



What meaneth now this holy calm ! — 

As though my soul were bathed in balm 

Of rarest bliss, — or Influence blest 

As foretaste of Celestial rest, — 

That soothing fears, allaying grief, 

Bears radiant Hope to my relief! 

List ! strains angelic sweetly ring ! — 

Soft in mine ear a voice doth sing, — 

' Calm now thy grief — cease every fear, 

The Angel bright of Peace draws near, — 

God will preserve thy Love and King, — 

God to thine arms will surely bring 

Thy conq'ring Hero safe again, 

Victorious, long with thee to reign ! ' " 
****** 

Bright the train still wendeth way 
In the rising light of day, — - 
Hopeful, Zillah's glances rest 
On her Chieftain-hero blest ; 
Martial music fills the air, 
Greeting ears of distant Fair, 
Waking songsters of the grove 
To their matin-hymns of love. 



3i0 P E L A Y O . 

Winding thus they onward pass 
Through fresh groves and heather grass ; 
Snowy plumes wave in the wind, — 
Leon's banner, unconfined ! 
Glitter casque, and helm, and shield, 
Gorget, falchion, " Argent field ; " — 
Farther, farther on they wend, — 
Still their gleams of glory send 
To the Loved, — till searching eye 
Scarce may now the Brave descry, — 
Fading, fading from the sight, 
As the stars in clouds of night, 
Waning, waning from the view 
As the distance farther grew ; — 
Glitt'ring here and glimm'ring there, — 
Now all lost, — again to glare 
Bright in transient, fitful sheen, 
As lightning flashes distant seen, — 
And all is dark, — all passed away ! 
From lance, or shield, — ^no glimm'ring ray ! 

Thus fadeth Hope's sustaining beam 
To mortals struggling on Life's way ; — 

Shines full her light with brilliant gleam 
When first doth open hiunan-day ; — 



P E L A Y O . 341 

But cares come gath'ring one by one, 

And dark'ning shadows fall, 
While fitful gleams Hope's cheering sun. 

Till fade her fair beams all ! 
Crushing the light from anguished heart, — 

Sad struggling, — tempest tossed, 
Until Hope's silver-chain doth part, — 

Storm- wrecked, — her anchor lost ! 
When sinketh down that soul to die ! 

" Turned face unto the wall ! " 
The weary frame o'er soon to lie 

Beneath the sable pall ! 

The morning breeze comes freshly now. 

Bearing rare odors from sweet bowers. 
Bathing each brave and noble brow 

With dew exhaled from oj^ening flowers ; 
And with the sun, rise spirits bright. 
Dispelling anxious fears of night ; 
And with the feathered choir, each heart 
In joyous anthems carols part. 
Lighter their steps, with sanguine hope, 

To buoyant heart-throbs' cheerful beat, 
That conq'ring warfare they shall cope — 

Victorious, the Moslem meet ! 



342 P E L A Y O . 

Thus, with untiring speed, the band 

Pursue their onward way 
Through forest dense and vintage land, 

Where plains extended lay 
Purple with fragrant thyme and heath, 

And lanes, gay hedged along 
With sweet-brier rose in twining wreath. 

Where oriole's warbling song 
Wake feelings now of pensive mood, 

While muse they on the fond. 
The gentle, beautiful, and good, 

Sad grieving far beyond ; 
And many a heartfelt sigh is given. 

And many a soul-fraught prayer — 
That earthly ties may not be riven. 

Kind Heaven still longer spare 
Each to his loved, while life beams bright, 

And hearts with love-pulse beat, — 
That, victors, they return in might, — 

The dear ones all to meet. 

And many a purling brook they cross. 
And many a merry stream, — 

Pionia, rushing in her course, — 
Ova, and Tua's gleam, 



P E L A Y O . 343 

In trilling water's vocal chant, 

Gay babbling, dancing on. 
Till stays the deer in timorous pant 

To list their lulling song, — 
Laves bathingly his antlered head, 

And quaffs the waters clear. 
Starting, with wild afiright and dread, 

As armed-men draw near. 
To leap within the refuge dense. 

That wild palmettos yield, 
Where instinct and untutored sense 

Doth teach, is guard and shield. 

Now dark sierra's fading line, 
Dim the horizon doth define, — 
And near they Auria's hapless site, — 
Auria, consumed in horrid night ! — 
After long leagues of weary way 
Her ruins dark, before them lay ; 
And soon they reach the Minho's tide. 
Whose rushing stream pours by the side 
Of huge, grim, tott'ring tower and wall, 
'Mid ashes, — as a funeral pall ! 
Standing as monument forlorn. 
Telling of light and glory shorn. 



344 P E L A Y O . 

Of peace, and love, and beauty fled, 
Of hopes and joys, all withered — dead ! 
Dark pictures, to remain, of blight. 
Where erst beamed naught but pure delight 

No more the dark-eyed Spanish maid 
With pride entwineth raven-braid ; 
No more sound notes of mandolin 
To bounding steps, 'mid merry din ; — 
No more the loving, happy stroll. 
Where bulbul's strain doth liquid roll ; — 
And joyous, blissful, whispered vow 
'Neath vesper-star and citron-bough. 
But drooping lid and pallid cheek. 
Of aught but joy, or gladness speak, — 
While sad upon the willow hung 
The sweet guitar, — with chords unstrung ! 

Oh ! what a sad-wrought change is here ! 
No sign of well-trained vintage near, 
Or goatherd wand'ring up the glen, — 
No piping shepherd, — hai'vest men, — 
But blight and desolation drear. 
On every woful side appear ! 

No vegas brightly blooming seen, 
No vineyards rich in purple sheen, 



P E L A Y O . 34:5 

No golden fields, or perfumed bowers 

Where love and joy beamed as their flowers ! 

But dark o'er thee, the bird of night. 

Poor Auria ! spread his wing of blight ! 

His raven-wing, of horrid woe, — 

In fearful swoop of Moorish foe ! 

Well hath the Moslem done his work, — 

In every path his fiend-tracks lurk ! 

Behold ! the lone, neglected cot 

Where joy once reigned ! ah ! sad the lot 

Of her poor inmates, forced to flee 

From the invader's miscreancy ! 

The father, ruthless murdered, fell ! 

The mother, fate more sad to tell, 

Borne to the Caliph's mosque-capped hall ! — 

While those poor children, tender, small, — 

Neglected, starving, drooping died ! — 

And this is all remains beside ! 

Look ! how the door stands open still. 
Where all may enter at their will, 
Or man, or beast — ^no sacred hearth 
Where rang out tones of joy and mirth ; — 
Those trellised vines now drooping fall, 
Fair household gods, demolished all ! 

15* 



3i6 P E L A Y O . 

While mournfully the kidlings bleat, 
In vain, loved, kindly hands to meet. 

Ah ! sad the picture thus to scan ! 

Sad, sad to say that such is life ! 
Man preying on his brother-man. 

As wild-beast, fierce for blood and strife,- 
His earthly-temple, that should be 
But dedicate to harmony 
And virtues all perfected bright 
That temple to illume with light. 
Closed up to all of good and pure, — 
But selfish end fain to secure. 
E'en to the Field, with slaughter rife, — 
The target — ^heart's-blood ! — mortal life ! 

And this is loss, to each and all, — 

E'en sad ones struggling on 
Their weary round, while shadows fall 

And hope and joy are gone. 
For each, his course should fully run, — 

And Heaven orders so, — 
Man's mission here, perfected, done. 

Unfolded full below. 
Prepared to enter higher sphere. 

Refined and purified, 



P E L A Y O . 347 

From discipline and trials here, — 
As gold through furnace tried. 

And Nature would design that all 

Should reach their full earth-hour, — 
As perfect fruit doth ripened fall, 

Or fair developed flower. 
As those in Halls of Science vast, 

Primary-schools first take, — 
Through each gradation perfect passed, 

True, full progression make. 
This earth, sphere rudimental then, 

Through which each soul should pass, 
Perfecting for the second, when, 

'Twill rise to proper class. 



CANTO xy. 

But how progress our Brave and Bold ? — 
Still marching on, through forests old, — 
By rivulet's tortuous way, 
That from high mountaui sources stray 
"Watering rich meadow's varied green, 
And vineyards, purple-laden seen, 
Kefreshing earth, and sight, and taste. 
Through forest, grove, and prairie waste ; 
And now receding hills are seen 
In fading tints of blue and green. 
While rosy hues gleam in the west 
As turns the gorgeous sun to rest ; 
And length'ning shadows, sombre throw 
Their dark'ning hues on crimson glow. 
And burnished spears all fitful gleam 
In flashing rays, 'mid sunset's beam. 



P E L A Y O . 349 

Approach they soon fair Leon's plain, 

Spread with her rich and golden grain, — 

As some vast garden brightly rare 

With groves, and bowers, and vineyards fair ; 

Fig, olive, orange, citron greet 

The sight, the sense, in perfumes sweet, 

As from the land of Eden-Blest 

To melt the soul in Heavenly rest ! 

Pomegranate, blushing crimson red 

From out her leafy, em'rald bed ; 

Tall trees of stately palm and pine, 

En wreathed with twining, blossomed vine, 

And lofty oak, in royal pride, 

Mimosa, cypress, date beside ; 

Clothed all in verdure's richest hue. 

As scene Elysian to the view — 

Bathed in the sunset's glowing sheen, 

Enchanted, all is beauteous seen ! 

While cool the fresh'ning evening breeze 

Comes murmuring through the rustling trees, 

And shades of eve fall gently round. 

While silence rests o'er all profound ; — 

And night, her mantle-folds of grey 

O'er vega, hill, and grove doth lay. 



350 p E L A y o . 

All silent, — save the humming sound 
Of locust from the heath around, 
And opening notes of bulbul's strain, 
That liquid ring throughout the plain, — 
And measured tramp of chargers' feet 
As on their way they pacing beat ; 
And rushing sound of Esla's stream. 
That full upon their sight doth beam ; 
While brightly, in the fading skies. 
The evening star doth calm arise. 
And myriad orbs look forth, to see 
The coming strife for Liberty ! 

And doubt ye, that fair Angel-hosts 
Were wanting, at fond guarding-posts, 
In prayerful watch to guide and bless 
Their children of the wilderness ? 
Or God Himself, to lead the way, 
The invading, impious hand to stay, 
And raise the Christian Cross again 
To suffering souls of fallen Spain ! 

Through grove, and vale, and dell, and hill, 
Advance the band, now firm and still ; 
And as the night doth all embrace, 
Quicker their steps draw on apace. 



P E L A Y O . 351 

As towering toward the dark blue skies, 
Lofty and fair in calm moon-light 

Leon's cathedral doth arise ! 

Glitt'ring her towers, as silver bright ! 

And high in heavenly azure clear 

The glorious moon doth fair appear 

Above her symbol, reared below 

By infidel and impious foe. 

Sleeps calm the city, all secure, — 

'Nor dreams of foe that dare may roam 

Within her mighty walls so sure, 
Or precincts of their guarded home ! 

Kaught breaks the silence of the night, 

Save, now a;id then, quick, startled flight 

Of lark from lowly grassy nest, 

Affrighted from his dewy rest. 

With cautious tread they pass along, — 
Checked word of jest, or light-hummed song ; 
Onward they glide, with downward spear, 
As closer, closer draw they near ; 
For fain would they escape the eye 
Of watchmen, ere the walls they nigh. 
Once 'neath the broad, dark shade they throw, 
The guard may ne'er ken friend from foe, — 



352 P E L A Y O . 

The pass-ward given, — All sure rights — 
Their host they'll deem^ returned from Jight^ 
Conq\ors from Christian mountain f ray ^ — 
And freely ope theportaVs icay ! 

''Twos thus ! They neared the pond'rous wall 
Or ere the warder gave his call, — 
And on the gate, 'neath shadowed wing, 
A bold, sharp stroke doth clearly ring, — 
When — " Quien vive f " challenge came, — 
And quick, in answer to the same. 
The watch-word " Alia AJchar " rose, — 
When oped the gates to Christian foes ! 

iN'ow pass they through those portals grand, 

The entire, bold, stalwart Spanish band, 

'Neath shadows dense that still enclose. 

Deceiving till emerged, when rose 

A cry so loud and wild and fierce 

From myi'iad voices, far to pierce 

Remotest bounds with horrid fear ! 

Pealing as death-knell on the ear 

Of dreaming Moor in sleep's repose ! 

Bursting as bomb, it wild arose ! 

" God! Santiago ! " rings the cry, — 

" Vengeance ! God's sword is raised on high ! 



P E L A Y O . 353 

Long, long bide we our harvest-day, 
Vengeance, withheld, now has its sway ! 
Awake ! arouse thee. Moor ! and see 
God's Hand, repaying, sweep o'er thee ! 



" Awake, O Moor ! wake thou to see 
The avenging sword now hang o'er thee 



Lo ! the Avenger ! look ! behold ! 
The crescent's lire is waning cold ! — 
Before our glorious Cross of Light 
Sinketh thy moon, in sea of night ! 
Wild, raging waves of fury roll 
Over the vile and impious soul ! — 
Lo ! Leon's banner high in light ! — 
Her ' Argent field ' spread crimson bright,- 
Effulgent in Spain's glorious day ! — 
God the Avenger ! now bears sway ! " 
Shouted Pelayo ; " On ! men, on ! " 
And dashing foremost, led the throng, — 
Charging the astonished Mussulman, 
Who 'wildered met the Asturian. 

And e'en Orelia felt the power, 
Magnetic, of the battle-hour ! — 
With fierce strung sinews, nostril spread, 
Proudly, the furious war-steeds led ! — 



354: PELAYO. 

And well each knight played good-sword there 

And brave Count Eudon bore his share, — 

With zeal imknown, there hewing way, 

Bold through the hottest of the fray, 

Lispiring here, and charging there, — 

For life naught seeming he to care ! 

So warm for country's glory now, 

As though inspired by noble vow 

To expiate his errors past 

In brave absolvment full, the last. 

Thus cancelling his true-mourned sins, — 

Till glory bright he nobly wins ! 

" Vengeance ! Pelayo ! " riseth high !— 
The captive Spaniards list the cry ! 
When echoes back one joyous strain 
From iron-bound doors, and bolt, and chain ! 
While the unmanacled, cell-free. 
Wield madly swords, for liberty ! 
Till full the tide of victory rolls 
O'er dark, invading tyrant souls ! 

From dungeon's dark cell, now each bolt they fierce 
tear, 
Riven quickly huge chains, and their captives all 
free ! 



P E L A Y O . 355 

W^hile in the wild conflict all bravely take share, 
Christian pris'ners, o'er-joyful, in dear liberty ! 

Boldly fierce, their halberds play ! — 

Long they bide this glorious day 

Pining in the lone, dank cell ! — 

Bravely ! bravely, war-strokes tell 

For their Cross and Native Land, 

For the free, sweet breezes bland. 

Playing freshly o'er the brow. 

Fragrant from each citron bough ! — 

Oh ! how sweetly to the Free 

Comes the breath of Liberty ! — 

Freed from dungeons' midnight gloom, — 

From a horrid, living tomb ! 

Freedom sweet, — and air, — and life ! — 

Glorious now the battle strife ! 

" Strike for Cross and Liberty ! — 

God be praised ! we're free ! we're free ! " 

Ardor fierce, fills hand and eye. 

As all earth they may defy ! 

Lispiration fires the brave. 

Cross and land to free and save ! — 

Wildly fierce the keen blades fell ! — 

Christians' shout to Techir yell ! 



356 P E L A Y O . 

" Santiago ! and our King t " 
" Al il Allah ! " piercing ring. 

" Allah AUar ! " and " Alia il Alia ! " 
From Moslem, — wild Arab-lips fall — 
" Santiago y clena Espangj ! " 

Back rolleth the glad Christian call ! 

Clash of steel and clang of blade, — 
Frenzied blows around them played ! — 
Peal of gong, and tocsin bell, 
Mingling with the war-cry, fell, — 
Till, dismayed, the Moors retreat ! 
Comrades falling at their feet, — 
Hewn as grass on harvest-day, 
Moslems, falling in the fray. 

God is with His children now ! — 
God the impious neck doth bow ! — 
God doth raise the Holy Cross ! 
Christians shields from woe and loss ! 
Glory to the God on High 
Who to suff 'ring Spain draws nigh ! 
Glory to His Name e'er be ! 
Glory bright, Eternally ! 



r E L A Y o . 357 

Thus right and left, as scathed leaves, fell 
The smitten sons of Ishmael ; 
While, clear above the combat's sound, 
" God! Santiago!'''' riseth round. — 
" Pdayo ! Spain ! and Vengeance ! " loud, 
Continuous rings from Christian crowd, 
While " Allah ilia Alia " yell. 
Piercing upon the ear still fell ; — 
And desperate the Moslem fought, 
Dearly his life and freedom bought ! 
Right manfully their blows did tell. 
With stroke for stroke, until they fell, — 
Easy the vict'ry Christians reap, — 
To Spain, the Moslem conquest cheap ! 
Surprised ! dismayed ! the frighted Moor 
Can ill withstand the fierce blows sure 
Of the prepared Asturian men. 
Whose zeal inspired to frenzy, when 
Home, tower, and altar meet their gaze ! 
Till death-stroke sure, each falchion sways. 

Death havoc sweeps the 'wildered foe 
As mountaineers all rushing go 
Scattering their ranks to quick retreat, — 
Fall shield and buckler 'neath their feet 



358 ' P E L A Y O . 

As fly the swarthy Arab band 
Before the avengers of the land, — 
Rushing on with blood-stained feet 
Before Asturian followers fleet. 

From out old Leon's rescued wall 
O'er rock and hill the dying fall ; 
While captives humbly lay them low 
Their arms before the Spanish foe, — 
" Ainaun ! Amaun ! " * to craven cry, 
" Amaun ! — thy slave, or ere we die ! 
Quarter, pardon grant, we pray ! 
Eblis now hath gained the day ! " 

Well hath the Avenger hewn his way ! 
Rejoice, O Leon ! for thy day 
Dawneth efiulgent in new light. 
And Spain ariseth from her night ! — 
Rejoice ! unfurl thy banner now ! 
Rejoice ! Auseva's heaven-kissed brow ! 
Cantabria ! mountains, hills, and streams ! 
Spain ! for thy splendor glorious beams ! 

Wakened the dawn from that wild night 
Upon those walls on direful sight 

* The craven cry, " Quarter! Pardon ! " 



P E L A Y O . 



359 



To tender heart, or stricken Moor ! 

For lo ! the hand of Vengeance, sure 

And true, had dealt the deadly blow, 

That strewed her streets with slaughtered foe ! 

Dark turban'd forms, on every way 

With lance and battle-weapons lay, 

And cloven gorgets' severed head 

All helmeted, lay with the dead ! 

And clefted cuirass, gory strown, 

Whose spirit-tenants thence had flown ! 

Ay, fully now doth vengeance fall 
Within our rescued Leon's wall ; 
While from each court and turret ring, 
The loud " Beal "— " Hail to our King ! 
Viva Pelayo ! King of Spain ! 
Leon ! thy line restored again ! 
Raise we the ' Argent Banner ' high. 
While in the dust doth Crescent lie. 
Deep stained our swords with darkened gore 

Free by the impious Moslem shed, — 
Thus to the dark Gehenna's shore 

Yile sons of Eblis we have sped ! " 

And now the " Alia hu Akhar " 
Of Moorish wailing riseth far ; 



360 PELAYO. 

" Woe ! woe is me ! Great Prophet ! God ! 

Sons of Mahomet, kiss the sod ! 

Woe ! woe upon us and our race ! 

The Crescent to the Cross gives place ! 

Eblis, the Prince of Darkness, low 

O'er Allah's sons spreads wing of woe ! " — 

Soimdeth far " Wul Wullah " * cry, 

Woman's waU, to pierce the sky ! 

Shrill " Wul wullah " dirges ring, 

'Mid " Vivas ! Hail our Leon-King ! " 

" Alia hu Akhar ! Ay de mi ! 

Lo ! unto Eblis fallen we ! 

Woe to the sons of Ishmael, woe ! 

Who kiss the dust 'neath Christian foe ! " 

" Viva Pelayo ! " still the strain, — 
" Long live Pelayo, King of Spain ! " 
Rising o'er the voice of Avoe, — 
" Vict'ry, vengeance to the foe ! " 
Shouts each conq'ring Spanish son, — 
" God hath now the vict'ry won ! 
Cross and Leon-banner high ! 
God our Father, smileth nigh ! 
Glory be to Him Above ! 
Heavenly King, supreme in love ! 

* Death song, ox* woman's wail. 



P E L A Y O . 361 



God, our land doth now restore ! 
Glory ! Peace ! forevermore ! " 
* % * * * * 
****** 



16 



CANTO XVJ, 

Not long the King delays return, — 
For Zillah fair his soul doth yearn, — 
To ease her gentle, anxious heart, 
Of fears that pierce as poisoned dart. 
And brighten eyes, dim with tear-dew. 
Until their light return anew. 
The morrow's dawn had scarcely smiled 
And flow'rets from their sleep beguiled,- 
The bulbul scarce had ceased her note. 
Or lark had fluttered wing to float 
With carol gay toward orb of light, 
When plumed Royal wing for flight, — 
Pelayo brave, to seek his star, 
'Mid clouds of grief and woe afar ; — 
In joy toward his light to lead. 
With glorious tidings, loving speed ! 



PEL A TO. 363 

How fares it with the loved ones hence 

In cloistered wall, where penitence 

And fasting vigils fill the day 

Of friars on their earthly way ? 

Pace those lone halls, the grieving fair, 

As angels fallen from Heaven there, 

Sad mourning joys celestial bright, — 

Departed rays of loving light ! — 

For wedded hearts thus sighing they, — 

For knight, or liege-love, far away 

In scene of combat's deadly strife 

To peril all of dear in life ; 

Thus weeping, as dew-laden flowers, 

Thus drooping through long severed hours ; — 

Nor marvel we, for holy love 

Is like imto the joys above ; 

And smileth God, on pure and bright 

Who cherish His fair germ of light ; 

For, ever dear to God Above, 

Fraternal, filial, wedded love ; — 

And ne'er would He one shadow throw 

Upon love pure and deep below 

Twixt kindred bosoms fond and true ; — 

But ever doth well pleased view 

The expanding of his own love-germ 

To fullest growth, — nor e'er would term, 



364 PEL AY O. 

" Idolatry^'' the ardent love 
Whose tendrils turn not all Above, 
If purely given here below, 
Where He hath planted it to grow. 

" Idolatry ! " mistaken cant 

Of darkened age, when scarce a gleam 
Of God's true love could shine aslant 

Upon the soul with cheering beam, 
To tell the dark, ascetic heart, 
We should bestow in liberal part 
Of love, which from His fount hath birth. 
Upon our kindred- ones of earth ; 
And never check one ardent ray 
That fi-om that Central-source would play 
Upon the dear-ones here on earth ; — 
For God is Love ! He gave it birth — 
And souls congenial, kind doth give 
On which that germ may fondly live 
Until, transplanted to His Bowers, — 
The fairest of all Eden flowers^ 
Where, 'mid His rays of loving light, 
'Twill bloom in pure effulgence bright ! 
Within that glorious sphere above. 
Where God is Heaven, — and Heaven — is Love. 



P E L A Y O . 365 

As moans her mate pure widowed dove, 

Sad Zillah mourns her absent love ; 

What now to her sweet myrtle bowers, 

When sighs of fear fill up the hours ! 

What, all the wealth of blossoms sweet, 

That bend beneath her weary feet ! 

What, joyous notes from green- wood trees, 

Or perfumes borne on gentle breeze ! 

They breathe of one that hence hath fled, — 

" Perchance now lying with the dead ! " — 

Thus sighs she e'er, with anguished tone, — 

" Kind Heaven ! ah ! leave me not alone ! 

Alone ! alone to grievous fate ! 

Alone ! in anguish desolate ! — 

Protect from hapless widow's lot. 

Existing here, — yet living not ! 

With life-blood's checked and heavy flow ! — 

Shrouded in gloom all earth below ! 

Have mercy, God ! spare ! spare such doom ! — 

A living death — in horror's tomb ! " 

Again, again she lowly bends. 
And oft again her soul-prayer sends 
To Heavenly courts, that God will spare 
Her Love and Liege from Azreal's share. 



366 PELAYO. 

" Spare him ! oh ! spare him ! " still her cry, 
" Save ! save him, Lord ! nor see him die ! — 
The lowliest peasant-maid I'd be, 
To have my Love safe here with me ! " 

And rosary and earnest prayer, 

Kepeat full oft the maidens fair. 

While friars, closed in grated cell, 

Their orisons and psalter tell 

For those who now seek peril dire. 

Rousing the sleeping Moslem's ire ! — 

Beardmg fierce wolves within their wall 

Where Moor or Christian sure must fall ! — 

" God grant it be not Spanish knight. 

The soul that parteth in the fight ! 

God grant, in bright victorious hour 

Return Spain's band ! her Pride and Flower ! " 

Through cloister, aisle, and gallery. 
They wander, sad and drearily ; 
Or, 'mid their groves all grieving stray 
Throughout the weary, anxious day, 
Till vesper bell rings clear for prayer, 
When, to the chapel turn the fair, 
With holy fathers grave, to pray 
For Braves exposed in conflict's fray ; 



P E L A Y O . 367 

Where rosaries again they tell 
With troubled-hearts, full, anguished swell 
For those all dearer far than life 
Battling in warfare's deadly strife. 



CANTO XYII. 

Now at the faintest glimm'ring gray 
Of early dawn's first beaming ray, 
The King, and suite, T\dth ardor fond, 
Pass Leon's conquered walls beyond. 
On all her ramparts proudly shone 

Her Bannered Lion, Argent Field ! 
The Moorish pennon fallen, — gone, — 

While Crescent's gleam to Cross doth yield ! 
High on Cathedral, — God be praised ! 
Toward Heaven the glitt'ring Cross now raised ! 
"Waned, hath the Crescent's baleful fire 
Beneath the Christians' vengeance dire ! 

Light the heart of our brave King ! 
Light with joy his soul doth sing ! — 
Bearing now returning way, 
Victor glorious of the day. 



P E L A Y O . 369 

On Love's wings, wifh tidings bright 
To his Queen, — his heart's delight ! — 
Deeming leagues e'er longer grow, 
Charger's pace ne'er half so slow ! — 
Fain would his fond, impatient mind 
En-reined hold the morning-wind, 
That so exceeds the swiftest speed 
Of e'en Orelia, — ^noHe steed ! 
And, borne upon its breezes sweet, 
Swift fly unto his Zillah's feet ! 
Cheer her sad soul, breathe forth his love, 
Dispel the anguish of his dove ! 

But only to the impatient king. 
And lover-knights, on leaden-wing 
Are they on fleetest steeds thus borne. — 
As flitting birds at early morn 
Wing forth when rosy beams first cheer, 
From night of dark and stormy fear, 
To sing to sweetest flow'rets bright 
That day rebeams with glorious light, 
So they, in truth, all rapid lead 
Returning march of hasty speed ; 
And ere the grieving fair may ken, 
Have reached the convent in the glen I 

16* 



370 P E L A Y O . 

And quick dismoimting, seek the dear 
And loving ones, with happy cheer 
To call them from the cloister's cell 
Where mournfully their beads they tell, 
To list the startled, joyous cry ! 
To mark the beaming of the eye ! 
To clasp the loved in fond caress 
Of over-flowing happiness ! — 

But where our drooping Zillah then ? — 

Not 'mid the sombre, stifled Avail, 
But far within the flowery glen 

Hath wandered she apart from all ; 
Beneath the pure, clear, twilight sky, 
To ofler ardent prayers on High, 
Where last, beneath the myrtle's-leaf 
She parted from her lover-chief. 

Sweetly the moon looked forth and smiled 
Upon that pure, earth-grieving child, 
Prapng for him, — her Love, — alone 
Beneath God's high and starry throne ! 
Lowly, in humble prayer she bent. 
While evening stars their pure rays sent, 
To kiss her brow and bosom fair, 
As on theii- beams to Heaven they bear 



P E L A Y . 371 

The earnest boon she thus did crave ; — 
" O God ! my liege-love, guarding, save ! 
And bear my Light of Life to me. 
Safe ! safe, in bravest victory ! " 

Sighed she as evening breeze this prayer 

That angels on their bright wings bear, 

"Wafting her soul-breathed thoughts Above 

To One all merciful, in Love. 

Her small clasped hands, in pure moonlight, 

Lay on her bosom lily white. 

Her violet eyes, soft tear-dewed shone, 

Upraised unto His starry Throne ! — 

Shone she, as star or angel bright 

As beameth in Celestial light. 

With golden tresses on the wind. 

As Heaven's harp-strings unconfined ! 

Thus beamed she on Pelayo there ! — 

Who springing clasped her to his breast. 
Exclaiming, — " Heaven hath heard thy prayer ! 

Safe in these arms my bride doth rest ! 
My life ! my soul ! my star of light ! 
Safe, God hath borne me through the fight ! 
The conquest ours ! and Leon free ! 
Victorious Spain! and I with thee! 



3Y2 P E L A Y O . 

My Queen of Love ! my heart ! and throne ! 

Oh ! what this moment without thee 
To share my joy ! mine honor's own 

With me, — in royal victory ! 

" See ! at thy feet, Love, cast I low, 
Banner first wrested from the foe 
With mine own hand, hours briefly late, 
From Leon's highest rampart gate ! 
Thus, thus mine every deed shall be 
E'er dedicate to God and thee. 
My star ! more precious far than throne ! 
Zillah ! my love ! my bride ! — mine own ! " 

Oh, joy ! oh, bliss ! oh, wild delight ! 

She rests upon love's armored breast, 
All gleaming in the clear moonlight. 

Enfolded closely, warmly pressed 
To heart o'er-flowing with its joy ! 
Its happiness without alloy ! — 
High, Cross and Banner j)roud of Spain ! — 
United, safe, the loved again ! 

" Oh ! Heavenly dream ! — too bright to last !— 
Safe ! safe, and here ! all danger past ! 
My soul's-light safe, and Leon free ! 
S)afe ! and to Spain the victory ! " 




^••M( 



Thi'iv fond enlinkinl in chiiin of love. 
They hn-iithe tlicir iri-fjtcful praise iiLovc, 
Til Him from whom all lilcssing? sin-intr. 
Tli<- (ir.-:ir. the rniv(M's:i! Kiuir ! 



P E L A Y O . ^ 373 

Sudden her beaming brow she raised — 

" Now God, my love," she cried, " be praised ! 

Kneel, kneel with me 'neath heaven's ray, 

My life ! our grateful love to pay ! " 

And there, where anguished prayer her last 

Had scarcely unto Heaven passed, 

Upon the flow'ring mossy sod. 

Before the Great, All Seeing God, 

Whose moon-beams fair of liquid light 

Illumed their brows with glory bright. 

One arm encircling his pure bride, 

One hand enclasped — thus side by side 

There fond enlinked in chain of love, 

They breathe their grateful praise Above, 

To Him from whom all blessings spring, 

The Great, the Universal King ! 

Who guarded through the battle-fray ! 

Who brought to Spain victorious day ! 

Who saved his Cross from impious hand ! 

Who spared the Christian mountain-band ! 

Who, safe again fond souls unite 

In pure, ecstatic joy's delight, 

Forevermore to dwell in love 

Until they soar to realms above ! 

Love, that shall ever freshly well 

From hoHest founts' unfathomed cell. 



374 ^ P E L A Y O . 

Through earth, to fair Celestial skies, 
All brighter there, to glowing rise ! 

'Now sounds the monastery's bell 
Te Dewn- Chant all souls to swell, — 
And to the Hermitage they wend, 
United, grateful praise to blend — 
With happy hearts, so bright with glee 
Earth seems one scene of witchery ! 
And joyous maidens love-spells cast 
O'er valiant knights, life-long to last ; — 
For sudden change from grief to joy 
Dispelleth now all frowning coy, 
With which, in scenes of former ease. 
The Fair, as tyrants, erst would tease, — 
But thus surprised, by joy so sure. 
They 'wildered yield, as vanquished Moor, — 
And conquered smile in silken chain, 
To soul-tuned notes of Love's refrain. 

IsTow thus ere yet the feast is spread, 

Pelayo, with his Zillah, led 

To chapel, convent-halls along. 

The gath'ring, joyful Christian throng, 

While round the olden altar there 

Entwined and draj)ed with bay-leaves, fair, 



P E L A Y O . 37^ 

Flowers, laurel-wreaths from green-wood glen, 

Stand Prelates, Friars, Holy-men ; 

Urban, Centerio, loved of all, 

Mitred, in purple robes that fall 

Richly o'er those most rev'rent forms 

That faithful proved through darkest storms. 

Before the Altar, Queen and King, — 
While perfumed censers o'er them swing ; 
And low the royal Pair now bend. 
While incense sweet with prayers ascend ; 
And aU assembled, kneeling bow 
In offered praise, and prayerful vow 
To worthy prove of blessings all 
That now to each, and country fall. 
Loud rings throughout monastic wall 
" Laudamnus " grand, from one and all, — 
Joy-gushing notes, full, clear, and free. 
In grateful praise for Victory ! 
Sounds 'mid these solemn walls ne'er heard 
From aught save Nature's happy bird. 
That unrestrained its song will roll 
Of merry glee, without control. 

Thus blithe, our God w^ould have all men, — 
From palace to monastic glen ; 



376 P E L A Y O . 

Life, with its joys, He giveth free 
For all to quaff in purity. 
Away, then, with the fear of frown ! 
From Heaven God smileth kindly down 
Look up ! and bask in His Love-beam, — 
In pure, good works, your souls redeem 
From gloomy, superstitious night ; 
Illume your mortal temples bright 
With love, and peace, and charity ; 
And weave you wreaths of purity. 
To grace the portals of the soul, 
Whence stony rocks of darkness roll. 
And light its dome with rays of love. 
That God may enter from Above. 



CAl^TO XYIII. 

Bright bluslies the dawning o'er glen and o'er dale, 
Bright sparkles the dew-drop in blossoming vale, 
Bright smileth the Orient's grey breaking skies. 
Precursor of splendor and glory, to rise. 
Alive is the convent, and merry, and gay, 
Astir are they all, and must soon hie away. 
And hurry, and bustle, and speed all around 
Ere first matin-bell doth her summons resound. 
When Joy lights the taper, and Hope gilds the ray 
Of life's flitting moments, hearts o])e with the day 
To quaff full the nectar of earth's loveliness, 
^or calmly may rest in their pure joys' excess. 
E'en Friars are jovial, and Fathers are gay ! 
For Joy's merry tide now may none seek to stay ; 
From the smihng of morn to the sunset all bright, 
From the fan* Star of Eve to the dawning of light. 



378 P E L A Y O . 

Earth, air, and high-heaven with radiance glow, 
While joy through each bosom doth gushingly flow ; 
And bright eyes are dancing in merry delight, 
And brave hearts succumbing to Cupid, the wight ; 
For when War furls her banner, strings Eros his 

bow. 
And to waning of Mars, riseth Love's rosy glow, 
Raising clear in mirage of the mind's vista 

bright, 
Fairest visions of myrtle and orange-huds white,, — 
The pure Bridal wreath, and the Altar, and Vow, 
In closer perspective all happily now ! 

Each matin is over, each breviary said. 

And soon from the convent each being hath sped, 

Maid, knight, monk, and prelate all hither away. 

For none may be laggard from Leon's great day ! 

When Pelayo, in diadem regal is crowned. 

Oh ! where is the Christian could absent be found ! 

And mounted, and ready, the chivalrous host. 
All joyous and eager — each one at his post, — 
On Orelia, foremost, Pelayo is borne 
Beside his loved Zillah, as star of the morn, 
Now radiant beaming all bright in her love. 
As rich eastern sky rosy blushing above ; 



r E L A Y o . 379 

Around them brave knights and our " Licge-ladyes " 

fair, 
Who gay in the dawning's rejoicings full share ; 
While Alphonse by our Queen, as young page bear- 
ing part, 
With the boy-germ of warrior swelling his heart ; 
Coimt Eudon, Theodmir, Pelistes, quite near, 
Don Pedro, and nobles, in right goodly cheer ! 
While fair flowers of beauty, and infantine glee. 
Crown the cortege with brightness and joy merrily ! 
Ad'ladis* and heralds haste far in advance. 
In gay-decked apparel, with bay-rod and lance, — 
And love knots are smiling on breast-plates, I ween, 
Of " Faire Ladye favoures " 'mid bright burnished 

sheen ; 
And glorious pennons are streaming on high 
To the fresh morning breeze, toward the azure flecked 
sky! 

Before the King the Cross is raised. 
That, legends tell, (all Saints be praised !) 
Was borne from Heaven by angels bright 
To Christians on Auseva's height. 
Of this, I may not vouch to say. 
As chanced it not within my day — 
* Guidesmen. 



380 P E L A Y O . 

But only tell, how foremost there 
"Was borne that golden symbol rare ! 

Floateth now the banner wide 
Over King and Royal bride ; 
" Lion rampant^ crimson bright " — 
" Argent Field " in folds of light ; 
Warriors round them, tried of old, 
Saviours of each precious fold, — 
Bravest knights, of valor known, 
Victors, 'neath its wavings sho^vTi, — 
Stalwart soldiers, followers all, 
Ever firm for Country's call ; 
Flower of noble Christian band, — 
Bone and sinew of the land ! 

List ! the bugle peal on high ! 
Clarion, trumpets, ringing cry ! — 
" Ready ! Forward ! " sounds the call — • 
Onward ! King, and suite, and all ; 
Till from Convent-court hath passed. 
Knight, and Priest, and Brave the last. 

Yict'ry's tones ring full on high ! 
Martial music rends the sky ; 
Earth, and air, and groves around, 
Joyous with the inspiring sound ! — 



PELAYO. 381 

Trill the wild-wood choir in glee, 
Rival strains of minstrelsy ! — 
Marvel must they now, I ween, 
At those battle-weapons keen, 
As the lightning's glances seen 
Flashing through the branches green ! — 
Trumpet-notes, full, joyous swell. 
Breaking stillness of the dell ; 
Drowning sound of streamlet's play. 
Hum of murmuring breezes' sway. 
With their tones, that peal aloud — 
Victory glorious ! Victory jDroud ! — 
List ! the strains all softer grow, 
Blending with the waters' flow, — 
Liquid harmony doth float 
With the breeze and wild-wood note, — 
Earth, and air, and zephyrs free. 
Chant in chorus — " Victory!'''' 

All gayly in that morning's pride 

Pace " Ladyes-brighte " their knights beside ; 

While gently doth Pelayo guide 

The palfrey white of his loved bride. 

Thus joyfully they wend their way 

As splendor fills the opening day. — 



382 P E L A Y O . 

Imbued, each object sparkling bright, 
With glory's beams of breaking light 
Stealing sweet dew from waking flowers 
Bespangled with night's pearly showers. 
While oft from branch and drooping tree 
Tlieir diamond drops fall bounteously 
On noble brow and Parian neck ; 
With sparkling gems the fair to deck, 
Who venture 'neath their twining play 
In merry morning breezes' sway. 

And groves and bowers their path lay through, 
Artistic arches to the view. 
Enlaced by spreading branches sweet, 
That playfully the trav'lers greet 
With floral showers from creeping vine 
That fondly clinging there entwine. 
Fragrant with night's refreshing balm 
To steep the sense in gentle calm, 
As falling 'neath the passing feet. 
Their incense rises pure to greet 
The beautiful, the brave, and good. 
Through blooming vale and forest- wood ; — 
And thus, as wend they there along, 
Cease clarion shrill and cymbal notes, 



P E L A Y O . 383 

While rises full in anthem's song, 

Glad chorus that through ether floats. 
Oh ! glorious that anthem's swell, 
That grateful souls thus upward well 
In harmony's rich tones of love, 
To Him, their Father, God Above ! 

As morning radiance shineth now 
In valley deep, — o'er mountain brow, — 
So shineth Truth deep in each soul, 
"With full conviction's firm control. 
Clear, on her mountain-tops of light, 
That Love shall rule the future bright. 
As plain, God's golden scroll doth ope 
"Wider and clearer to the scope 
Of mortal, comprehensive mind, 
Bursting the chains that error bind. 
To read in glorious letters bright, — 
Rend, rend the clouds of darkened night ! 
Behold the brilliant morn arise 
Of Loving-Power^ in bright'ning skies ! 
Behold the blessiags, far and wide 
That God bestows on every side. 
Beaming with rays of love alone 
That radiate from His pure Throne, 



384 P E L A T O . 

Till full, from Heavenly realms above, 
The blessed sunshine of His Love 
Entereth the windows of the sonl, 
To bright illume and cheer the whole ! 

Soon, vega, hamlet, vale and bower, 
Are clearly seen in dawning hour, 
As broad departing shadows fade 
From night's repose on dewy glade, 
And morning breaketh, full and wide. 
In all the rich and glowing pride 
Of Spain's transparent azure clime, — 
Waking sweet orange-buds and lime. 
To breathe from out rich freighted trees 
Their incense to the passing breeze, — 
Bathing each brow of beauty there 
In zephyrs pure of morning air ; 
While rolling tides of melody. 
In constant, richest minstrelsy 
From Nature's choir pour concord's strain, 
In matin chant of rare refrain. 

Serene each heart with joyful hope. 
As yonder meadow's blooming slope. 
Whose buds of opening beauty sweet 
Spring freshly bright their steps to greet,— 



PEL AY O. 

For happy now, the hearts they bear, 

Secure, in tranquil rest ! 
Of homeless wand'rings, past their share, — 

The future, brightly blest ! 
Thus earth around and bright'ning sky 

Shine fair with rosy gleam. 
The Dove of Peace close drawing nigh — 

Spain, bright in glory's beam ! 

The lark expressed her rapture high. 
Soaring afar toward azure sky ; 
All things of earth, in beauty glad ! 
No lowering clouds of darkness sad ! 
Ay, all of gloom and mourning, past, — 

Fading, in splendor's ray — 
As morning breaks, through shadows vast, 

In gorgeous opening day. 

Fair their path, where buds of night. 
Fragrant cistus' leaflets white 
Fall in silv'ry floral sheen 
Over mossy beds of green. 
Wafting precious odors round. 
Rich distilled from dewy ground ; 
Thus, all crushed 'neath passing tread, 
Is their richest sweetness shed ; 
17 



385 



386 P E L A Y O . 

As the spirit's brightest power 
Oft is shown in heaviest hour — 
Tried in sorrow's darkest night, — 
Virtues, sleeping in the light, 
Bringing out in hour of woe, 
As the diamond-beam to glow. 

'Twould weary, were I more to tell, 
How all that long and joyous day, 

They journey over hill and dell, 
Until the golden sunset lay 

Serenely cradled in the west. 

When yet another convent blest. 

Invites the weary to repose. 

At twilight's gentle, balmy close ; 

Or, of a second morning bright. 

Arising from a peaceful night, — 

When, all refreshed, with eastern ray, 

Again the band pursue their way. 

All blithe, fresh, and merry as birds on their flight. 

To regions of paradise beauteously bright. 

Each heart bounding lightly, while gayly Hope sings, 

And Fancy is revelling far on Love's wings. 

Oh ! drink ye of Nature, fair souls, while ye may, 

Quaff freely her nectar as happy ye stray, 



PELAYO. 387 

For soon will the wild rose and sylvan-bower 

green, 
Be parted for pageant, and court-life, I ween ! 
Then quaff the dewed-chalice, embrace the sweet 

breeze 
From mountain-tops borne on the high swaying 

trees. 
Meet the zephyrs that play round the cheek and the 

brow 
As the lover receiveth the kiss and the vow ! 
From Nature's bright fount, ye all freely may sip — 
liTe'er fear that too joyous, or deeply ye dip, — 
Her beauties, her loveliness, never may cloy, — 
Her pleasures all pure without shade of alloy. 

In fond, gentle converse pass lovers along, — 
Gay spirits are happy in tale, jest, and song ; 
While the mind, whose Interior openeth to Light, 
Thrills rapture to exquisite scenes of delight 
In glorious Nature, at mom, noon, and eve !^— 
While Fancy, inspired, a bright halo doth weave. 
To lift to Elysian-dreani-life the mind 
That revels in joys to which others are blind. 

Flow'rets sweet their pathway line, 
Eglantine, and wild-rose vine ; 



888 P E L A Y O . 

Streams of golden, sparkling play 
Brightly deck their smiling way ;— 
Wend they gayly, happ'ly on, 
Gentle, priestly, warrior throng. 
Bold cortege in glitt'ring mass 
Onward to their Leon pass ; 
Till the smi, now risen high, 
Gloweth in meridian sky, — 
When behold the happy crowd 
Leon's Cross in freedom proud ! 
Rising in the distance far 
As some glory-beaming star ! 
'Bove cathedral's peerless height, 
Smiling in her glory bright ! 
Mosque and tower in sunny skies, 
Glitt'ring also, boldly rise. 
Distant still, — ^no murm'ring hum 
Of the city, yet may come 
Rude to break the calmness there 
Of those scenes remote from care, 
Turmoil, pride, and envy's strife 
FiQing up the courtier's life. 

Naught is heard save flowing tide, 
Esla's stream in ripp'ling play, 



P E L A Y O . 389 



Laving in her gentle glide 

Palm and hazel-skirted way. 
Winding on, their course doth lay 
Still by Esla's devious vray, 
Near the chestnut forest-side 
That fair Leon's ramparts hide 
From her childi-en as they roam 
Eager toward their rescued home ! 



CANTO XIX. 

Happy, joyous ones are they 
On their brightly varied way ! 
Blithe as merry wild-birds free, 
Chanting matin melody, 
Now emerge they from the shade 
Of the forest, through the glade, 
When unfolds to raptured view 
Leon, rich in glowing hue 
Of victorious glory's pride ! 
Banners spread to sunbeams wide, 
Myriad crosses glitt'ring bright, 
Cheering e'er the Christian sight,— 
Fair, luxuriant " Patios " green. 
Decking all the sunny scene. 
Wafting odors rich and free. 
As the breeze of Araby ! 



P E L A Y O . 391 

Grand, her " walls of octagon ! " — 
Brazen gates, eleven, shone ! 
Cross high raised with banners all. 
Where " Muezzin " late did call 
At the glowing sunset fair, — 
" Alia hu ! to prayer ! to prayer ! " 
Gone Muezzin ! crescent ! foe ! 
To Gehenna's shades of woe ! 
Risen, Cross and Banner high ; — 
God, in mercy, hath drawn nigh ! 
God doth smile upon His band ! 
God doth raise His cherished land ! 

" Hail ! hail to our Leon ! " now fondly they cry, 
" Hail ! hail ! to our Cross in the bright heavens 
high. 
The vile, baleful crescent in darkness doth lay ! — 
O Moslem-invader ! well bided our day ! 
Then Leon, dear Leon ! dare none to defy ! 
Our hearts are her bulwarks ! defending we die ! 
Xe'er foothold again on her soil shall have ye ; 
Our Leon^ regained^ — is for evermore free I ^"^ 

Ay, fair doth Leon greet their sight ! 
Fair, her towers and mosques arise 



392 P E L A T O . 

In re-illumined glory bright 

'Mid the smiling azure skies ; 
Fair her cathedral's dual towers, 
Where the moon no longer lowers ; 
Set, hath she for e'er in night, 
'Neath the Cross in glory bright. 

How looms that Cross in noon-tide glow, 
Telling of scattered, vanquished foe ! 
Of crescent, sunk in sea of gore 
Beneath those towers — ^to rise no more ! 
Risen, Christ's symbol high again ! 

Waned crescent 'neath her holy light ! 
Kisen as Phoenix, happy Spain ! 

From ashes of a direful night. 
Then God be praised ! who guardeth all, 
To lift the suffering in their fall ; — 
Who saith : — " My hand I will not stay, — 
Vengeance is mine ! I will repay ! " 

With re-inspired and freshened speed, 

" AdHadis " now advance. 
With herald, borne on snowy steed 

In eager, hast'ning prance ; 
And cavaliers, their banners decked 

With bay and olive crown, 



P E L A Y O . 393 

And lettered praise in laurel flecked, 

As pendants floating down ; 
While close appear the victor King, 

The fair and beauteous Queen — 
Surrounded by a noble ring 

Of knights in armored-sheen. 

And, as the city gates they near, 

Behold ! approaching now 
A vast procession doth appear ! 

Troops, priests of holy vow, — 
The City Council and her guard, 

In raiment richly grand. 
With welcome strains from lyre and bard. 

To greet the Christian band ; 
While in advance gay heralds bear. 

On salver's golden-plate. 
The city-keys in ofl*ering there, — 

Keys of each tower and gate. 

Now, halting, they awaiting stand. 

As near the Regal train — 
The flower of aU the Christian land — 

The valiant sons of Spain ! 
When bursts one wild and deaf 'ning shout — 

One full, tumultuous cheer, 
17* 



394 P E L A Y O . 

To ring all far and wide about, 

In loving " Viva ! " clear. 
Presented are the city-keys, 

Seized now Pelayo's shield — 
Borne from his steed, with gentle ease, 

O'erpowered, he fain must yield ! 
And placed upon his buckler bold. 

That guard of breast most pure. 
They high aloft their monarch hold, 

With loving-hands and sure ! 
While beareth he in upraised hand, 

The Golden Cross so bright. 
The Sacred Cross, the Angel band 

Bore to Auseva's height ! 

High on his shield they bear him now, 

Upraised above the crowd ! 
Erect his form — upturned his brow — 

While acclamations loud. 
With wild " BeaV and " Three times three—" 

" Hail ! Viva ! Leon's King ! 
Pelayo! Hail! and Victory ! " 

From earth to Heaven ring ! — 
Till spirits of the brave Above, 

The martyred^ ruthless slain, 



PELAYO. 395 

Gaze down^ with smiling, deathless love, 

Upon rejoicing Spain I 
Waving Celestial banners white. 

Unseen, — of Peace and Purity, 
O'er Spain's brave King, in glory bright. 

With Cross upraised in Victory! 

Oh ! what a spirit-stirring sight ! 

Thus borne that Hero brave ! 
Who, bold in all of good and right, 

Doth Cross and Kingdom save, — 
Majestic, standing thus above, 

In loving subjects' hold, — 
Swaying all hearts with ardent love. 

For valor, pure and bold. 

And tenderly the Queen they bear 

From off her palfrey white. 
When in a Regal, " Golden Chayre " 

They place their " Star of light ; " 
A pearl wrought, golden " Chayre Estate " 

That quaintly, of devices rare. 
Palanquin, litter, doth partake, 

And Royal throne in share ; 
A fairy " Carosia " bright, 

Of gold and precious stone. 



396 PELAYO. 

That glitt'ring clear in rays of light, 

All sparkling, dazzhng shone ; — 
And bars of gold, and arms of pearl 

Support her lovely frame, 
While gem-wronght pennons bright unfurl, 

To shine with her loved name, — 
In diamond words, — " Hail^ Zillah^ Queen " 

In rubies rich, — '-'• Of Love ! '''* 
In sapphires' pure Asteria sheen, — 

" Bright as Morn's Star above ! " 
And Rod'rick's " Royal Cloth of Gold," 

Draped fair that car around, 
Where " marv'lous pearls " on every fold, 

Rare stones were subtly bound. 

By Acolytes, from Altar's side, 

Now borne our beauteous Queen ! — 

By warriors, borne in loving pride, 
Pelayo still is seen ! 

With arching neck, and stately tread, 
Orelia is honored led, — 
His trappings hung with lam-els bright. 
For faithful service through each fight, — 
And well, in sooth, he seemed to know 
Their victory o'er the Moslem foe I 




And ;is advance the (•avalca(li\ — 
The gorgeous regtil train, 
All space with one consent is madi 
To ring— '• Hail ! King ol Spain!" 



P E L A Y O . 397 

With nostril spread, dilated eye, 
Erected mane, — proud prancing by. 

Now fixir their way, sweet blossom-strown 

By maidens robed in white, 
Till as some fairy scene all shone, 

Or vision of the night ! 
In sooth, a dream-like, radiant scene. 

As e'er beamed vision bright ; 
And true, as fair, shines all, I ween, 

In victory's glorious light ! 

And as advance the cavalcade, — 

The gorgeous Regal train, 
All space with one consent is made 

To ring — " Hail ! King of Spain ! " 
From every height wild " Vivas " pour, 

And happy faces beam 
As morning- waves on ocean's shore. 

In joyous, sparkling gleam. 
And " Hail Pelayo ! Hail our Kmg ! " 

" Hail ! Queen of beauty fair ! " 
In echoing strains of welcome ring. 

In joy's ecstatic share ! 

And still before them blossoms strown, — 
While from above, in showers. 



398 PELAYO. 

Are laurel and oak-chaplets thrown, 

With wreaths of choicest flowers. 
Towers and verandas, sumptuous draped 

With richest cloth of gold, 
Where gems, in loving mottoes shaped, 

Shone glist'ning o'er each fold. 
Of-—" Welcome / to our King and Queen ! 

Sail ! to the Royal Pair ! " 
Fond, studded words of jewelled sheen, 

Wall, tower, and banner bear. 

While far perspective arches seen. 

Of sweetest, fairest flowers. 
Entwined with bay and olive green. 

In vistas of rare bowers. 
All blossom-lettered, welcome-fraught, 

Breathing and speaking love. 
For him who hath their freedom wrought. 

And her, his mountain-dove. 
And deaf 'ning acclamations rise, 

And bells by hundreds ring, — 
Sound trumpet, clarion, viva cries, 

With—" Hail Pelayo ! King ! " 
While deep the great cathedral bell 

Tolls forth her welcome-peal, 



P E L A Y O . 399 

Her gratitude, full loud to tell, 

For Cross and Country's weal. 
Where bright that symbol high in air, 

Now gleaming, points above. 
Toward realms Celestial, smiling fair. 

Where reigneth God in Love. 

On stalwart shoulders rests the shield, 

Where stands Pelayo brave. 
While " Lion gules on Argent field," 

High o'er his brow now wave ; 
Erect he stands, — the Cross of gold 

High bearing in his hand, — 
The Cross that to Auseva bold, 

Was borne by Angel-band ! 
Draped thick his shield, with laurel leaves, 

With chaplets of green-bay, — 
Each leaf of bravery that breathes. 

To deck the Conq'ror's way. 

Oh ! proudly on the King her gaze 

Fair Zillah rests in joy ! — 
Turned now their path from sorrow's maze, 

Smiles Peace, without alloy ! 
Ay, fondly turneth oft the eye. 

Upon her noble love. 



400 P E L A Y O . 

Her Victor-Liege, on buckler high, 

Borne thus in pride above 
The retinue and happy mass, 

The rushing, swaying throng, 
That crowding, check the onward pass 

Of Christian-band along. 
And worthy he of fondest gaze — 

That perfect one to view ! 
That noble brow, where rich hair plays 

In waves of raven hue ; 
Of fullest height, majestic form — 

A God-like, perfect man ! 
With virtues pure, and feelings warm 

As e'er through bosom ran. 
His soul-illumined orbs of light 

Beaming o'er subjects all, — 
Oft and anon with deep delight 

Upon his love to fall. 

In beauty sweetly beaming, 
Zillah, his mountain-flower, 

As star of morning gleaming 

E'er through his troublous hour, — 

Till cheering sun now shining 
Dispelleth darksome cloud, — 



P E L A Y . 401 

And glory's wreaths are twining 
Where flowers ensanguined shroud 

The urn of martyred Hero, 
The ashes of the Brave, 

Whose blood flowed as the billow. 
Their falling land to save ! 

How beautiful she beameth there ! 

How lovely in her pride ! 
Pride all for him, nor self hath share, 

Nor aught but him beside. 
O wedded-love ! O holy bliss ! 

When hearts true-joined are, — 
What brighter joy on earth than this ! 

With this, what may compare ! 
Her azure eyes with love are bright, 

Moist with the grateful tear. 
As violets bathed in liquid light 

Of dew-drops shining clear. 
Back from her brow her tresses float 

As sunny rays of light. 
Or golden strings for heavenly note. 

Or haloed glory bright ; — 
Her lovely form oft graceful sways, 

In courtesy to bend, — 



4:02 P E L A Y O . 

All lovingly each wreath to raise — 
Acceptance gracious lend ; — 

But tiny hands may never bear 
The wealth of falling sweet, 

Or Parian arms, the burthen fair. 
That, showering, constant greet. 

Passes the King majestic on 

Through densely pressing crowd, 
"With kind acknowledgments along, 

To Welcomes, fond and loud ; 
And still repeated loving glance 

On her, his Star of love. 
Whose presence doth his joy enhance. 

As sunlight from above ! 
Beams fond that full and soul-lit eye, 

As quick the thought doth rise — 
Ah ! what all this were she not nigh, 

Light of my soul and eyes ! 

Toward the Cathedral vast and grand, 
The train slow moves along ; 

For scarce may pass the Royal band, 
So press the mighty throng. 

And up her marble steps they pour, 
The swaying, eager mass. 



P E L A Y O . 403 

Till vaulted arches wild'ring roar, 

As storm-winds in their pass, 
With human voices entering now, — 

From Priests, who solemn raise 
" Te DeuwbS " chant, and grateful vow, — 

" Laudamus^'' full in praise. 
Swelleth the loud and sacred song 

To vaulted roof above. 
That, echoing back, its tones prolong, 

Of over-flowing love. 

Borne still the King on burnished shield, 

The Queen on brilliant throne, 
While 'bove them, floating " Argent field " 

Where Golden Cross still shone ; — 
And ever near, Alphonse the child. 

His Mistress dear, to wait, — 
Beside the Royal Ladye mild 

On golden " Ghayre Estate^'' — 
To bear the train in fingers small. 

To wave the perfumed fan ; 
As Cupid fair amid them all, — 

The blossom of the Van. 

Now up the long, dim aisles they pass, 
The royal suite and train, 



404: P E L A Y O . 

Knights, warriors, and assembled mass,- 

Brave, glorious souls of Spain ! 
And on they move in glitt'ring line, 

With holy-banner high, 
Toward chancel, where in silver shrine 

St. Isidore doth lie, — 
On John the Baptist's Altar there, 

Enshrined, — " In peace to rest," 
That holy corse in sacred care, — 

St. Isidore the Blest ! 
Up to that gorgeous Altar's base, 

The sanctuary's pale, 
Where flow'rets white, pure interlace 

Each golden step and rail ; 
Where massive, gold " Custodia " 

Doth Sacred Host enclose. 
Resting on richly silvered car 

Near Holy Saints' repose ; 
Where reverent wait the priestly crowd 

In scapular and stole. 
To God and holy office vowed 

In record's sacred roll. 
With mitred abbot, bishop grave 

In purple vesture's sheen. 
Awaiting there the Fair and Brave — 

Spain's Royal King and Queen. 



P E L A Y O . 405 

Thus grave before that Altar now 

The regal suite all stand, — 
Before the Heavenly Lord to bow, — 

King, Queen, and knightly band ; 
And censers sway their rich perfume 

In dreamy incense far, i 

And fragrant rods of spice illume 

Each niche, as gleaming star ; 
And lofty tapers' waxen light 

Beams high through chancel clear, 
Where vestal-nuns in virgin white. 

Through oriel grates appear, — 
As Angels, who through bars of Heaven, 

Her sunny rays, glance dowTi 
On mortals from earth-sins unshriven, — 

Unworthy yet the crown ; 
And softened rays o'er paintings rare. 

Of holy martyrs past, 
And sculptured saints in marble there, 

A haloed radiance cast ; 
And angels 'mid those naves appear, 

And heroes bravely bold, 
Beaming in earthly beauty clear. 

As aught e'er seen or told ! 
And she, the Star ! the Hght of all ! 

And he, Spain's glory bright ! 



406 P E L A T O . 

Since Eden's hapless sin and fall, 

N'e'er beamed so fair a sight ! 
As falling high rose-windows through, 

Rich, mellow sunbeams now, 
In glorious rays of rainbow hue. 

Play o'er each royal brow : 
And fragrant torches' fitful light, 

And lamps that odors breathe, 
As blaze of noon-tide dazzling bright, 

Majestic domes enwreathe. 

'Mid loud hosanna's swelling peal. 

They bend before the shrine, — 
While praises rise for Country's weal 

From Lay, Brave, and Divine. 
A strange, impressive sight that scene ! 

That vast cathedral grand. 
Whose body, aisles, and altars teem 

With priests, mass, warrior^band ; 
The mail-clad heroes brave of Spain, 

Whose tow'ring plumes and weapons bright, 
Strange contrast form to priestly train 

Of solemn monks enrolled in white. 

The stately suite all rev'rent now 
Before the Altar humbly bow, 



r K L A Y o . 407 

Of John the Baptist, pure and good, 
With all the Holy Brotherhood ; 
When slow, from silver shrine doth rise 

The veil off sainted Isidore ! 
Revealing to the royal eyes 

A crystal case, that bore 
His holy corse, embalmed there, 

To solemn, awful view, — 
As marble statue lying fair, 

Seen clear that crystal through ! 
And thus, in earnest prayer they bend, — 

Here, ardent vows of love 
And gratitude, united send. 

With praise to Heaven above. 

Arrayed in sumptuous purple-folds, 

With minor priests, in train, 
Centerio, high, advancing, holds 

The banner bright of Spain, 
With holy-banner there aloft, 

Bearing our Saviour's name, — 
That late, vile infidels so scofied, 

And trampled low in shame ! 
Now, spread above the Royal head, 

Now, floating free on high, — 



408 P E L A Y O . 

To victory and freedom wed, — 

Raised broad toward Heaven's sky ! — 
Above the kneeling monarcli there 

He waves the banner proud, 
Bestowing every blessing's share. 

While " Amen " cry the crowd ; 
The Holy Cross doth solemn sign, 

Chanting his earnest prayer. 
Till Urban, blest and loved Divine ! 

Approaches gravely there — 
With " Cross of Gold " o'er royal brow, 

He, fond eulogiums proud 
Pronounces on the monarch now, 

In loving tones and loud ; — 
And Coronation rites are said, — 

Proclaimed Pelayo, King ! 
The rubied crown on royal head ! 

While myriad voices ring 
With joyful acclamations all. 

In heartfelt tones of love. 
From nave to tower in rise and fall, 

To mighty domes above ! 

High, solemn mass now chant they all, 
And earnest prayers are said 



P E L A Y O . 409 

For heroed souls, who brave did fall, — 
The Requiem for the Dead. 

Two swords now Urban hands the King, 
Whose metal, erst full clear did ring 
From valiant wield of Roderick's hand. 
Striking for Faith and cherished Land ; 
" Colado;'' and " Tlzona " yclept— 
That he, ''El Cid'' untarnished kept 
E'er, till their last, bright, swaying gleam 
On Xeres, by Guad'lete's stream ! 
Flashing, as parting spirit's glow, 
In life-blood's faint, expiring flow, 
With effort's last collected force. 
Ere severed from the sinking corse, — 
As wasting candles' fading light. 
Startling, in gleaming flashes bright, 
Of brilliant flaming ray the last — 
Ere darkness over all is cast ! 

" Colado's " hilt, a cross, whereon 
Upon one side was graven seen — 

" 8i^ /S'i,'' — while on the other shone — 
" iVb, iVb," — in gold and silver sheen. 

And on " Tlzona^'' written were — 

^'AveMaria^ Gratia'''' — 
18 



410 P E L A T O . 

" Plena Dominus^'' — all bright, 
In jewels glitt'ring to the sight ! 

And on his breast the cross is placed, 
That oft with " Cid " brave battle faced. 
Gleaming, 'mid armied ranks afar, 
As through wild night some brilliant star ; 
Formed of four equal, silver parts. 

Covered with gold, and set with stone, — 
As " artichoke " to rise its heart, 

That white and green enamelled shone, — 
While on one side engraved it bore. 
All clearly, — " Crucis Salvator " * * 
Where " Sante Petre " * * and " Porto " 
In jewels pure, did lustrous glow. 

Again the lofty aisles loud ring 

With anthems from grand choirs. 
That joyful hallelujahs sing. 

In tones that love inspires ; 
And " Gloria in PJxcelsis " notes 

All souls united sing. 
And " Benedictus Deo " floats. 

And " Jubilates " ring 
Through Gothic aisles — up lofty towers. 

In joyous chorus' swell. 



P E L A Y O . 411 

As offer incense, sun-kissed flowers, 

Their gratitude to tell 
For radiant beams from Mercy's throne, 

For sunny rays of light, — 
Leon, restored unto her own ! 

Leon in glory bright ! 

!N"ow, 'mid the mighty rolling peal 

Of harmony's full swell. 
O'er King and Queen, who lowly kneel, 

The blessing fond doth well 
Full from Archbishop Urban's voice. 

With raised arms, outspread, — 
O'er Royal ones, the " Hail ! rejoice ! 

God's blessing on thee shed ! " 

" Benedicat vos, 
Omnipotens Deus^ 
Pater et Filius^ 
JEt jSpiritus jSanctus, 
Amen.''^ 

And sacred rites performed are. 

The Coronation o'er, — 
Aloft again the Royal Pair 

Borne 'mid trimnphant roar 



412 PELAYO. 

Of loud hosanna's rolling tone, 

Through wide-spread, crowded aisles. 

Where myriad faces beaming shone, 
Enwreathed in joyous smiles. • 

And as they near the portals grand. 

So press the rushing mass. 
Scarce now may move, the Regal band, 

Ad'ladis force their pass, — 
For joy has reached perfected height, 

And wild the clamor now, — 
All must behold their Queen of Light, — 

All gaze on Regal brow ! 
And as they pass those portals out. 

Bursts forth the pented tide 
Of human joys' full, ringing shout 

To echo far and wide ! 
While soundeth clarion, clear and shrill. 

The shalm and trumpet-peal. 
With tambour's clang, and psaltry's trill 

Loud for the Christians' weal ! 

Onward they pass o'er flower-strown way. 
Where founts of jasper bright. 

Through allegoric figures play 
Of Parian marble white ; 



r EL A YO. 



413 



The trees of elm and willow nigh, 

Blooming with soul-lit flowers 
Of human faces, beaming high 

Amid their leafy bowers. 

Thus slowly move the courtly band. 

Patio and Place along, 
St. Isidore's structure grand, 

'Mid cheers, and Vict'ry's song ! 
Through vistas green of bay-arched bowers 

Our Royal Pair repass. 
Still radiantly enwreathed with flowers, 

Showered from the lovmg mass ; — 
While, with their quickened, soul-oped eyes. 
That pierce the blue ethereal skies. 
Blest se6rs behold, high waving noio 
Celestial palms o'er royal hrow! 
By pure, angelic, heroed hands 
Of martyred spirits ! sainted hands I 
The Angel guardians of Spain ! 
Who chant seraphic, glorious strain, 
As moves the King 'mid loud acclaim 

That joyous mortals cheering raise, — 
Thus perfect crowned his glorious fame 
With samted posan ! Heav'nly praise ! 



CANTO XX. 

Thus passetli now our King of Spain 

To Leon's palace grand, — 
O'er loving subjects calm to reign, 

Peace smiling on their land ; — 
O'er Oviedo's kingdom blest, 

O'er Leon, long to reign, 
Li blissful happiness, where rest 

The Christians brave of Spain ; — 
Where brightly glows Love's rosy-wing, 

And soundeth sweet guitar 
To gay bolero's bounding spring, 

While joy-notes ring afar ; — 
And thus, in happiness content, 

In pure and virtuous life, 
From mountain-wand'rings, homeless spent, 

They rest from care and strife ; — 
'Mid sparkling founts, and mimic grove 

Of sweetest, rarest flowers. 



P E L A Y O . 4-15 

As on Auseva's mount to rove, — 

To pass still joyous hours ; — 
Where perfumed censers waft, of gold. 

To music's witching sway, 
Gay wander forms of beauteous mould, 

That strayed by Deva's way. 

But, 'mid their halls and " Fatios " bright, 

None ever cease to love 
Their mountain-caves of marble white, 

Fair Deva's vale above ; — 
And still their summer-court must hold 

By clear Pionia bright, 
'Bove Covadonga's fastness bold. 

In sylvan joys delight ; — 
While many a knight and fair, I ween. 

Bless e'er Auseva's height, 
Where Cupid swayed his arrow keen. 

With Mars, his sabre bright ; — 
For there, fond, truthful vows were said, 

Warm hearts exchanged in love, 
To join, in happy marriage wed. 

In bonds blest from Above. 

And all that Coronation night 
The city-bells did ring, — 



416 P E L A T O . 

The liA^e-long night, in wild delight 

Gay subjects dance and sing ! — 
Bolero, seguidille, and song, 

Guitar and zel gay sound 
Each " Patio " and bower along, 

With mirthful voices round ; — 
"While, as one blaze of glowing fire, 

The city glory beams 
From balcony to highest spire, 

From lamps of colored gleams ; — 
Rise signal-fires from hills above. 

To tell empyrean skies. 
How bright with joy their land of love 

As Phoenix now doth rise ! — 
God^s sons have won their heritage ! 

While rises o'er the land 
The Cross-capped tower and hermitage, 

4 

Cathedral, convent grand ! — 
And all the Regal Court is gay, 

Joy beams as sun-light round, — 
Joy brightens all in Glory's ray, — 

No darkness may be found ! 

And knighted now is Gomez there. 

With heroes nobly brave. 
Who well have borne full boldest share, 

Their Cross and Land to save ;-^— 



PELAYO. 417 

And might we weave full many a tale, 

Of noble knight, and fair, — 
Of lovers, in sweet Deva's vale, 

If idle time to spare, — 
And how all happy Avedded were, — 

Gomez and Inez too, — 
Of lovers fond, 'mid wand'rings there. 

Who faithful bore them through. 

And how a tiny blossom rare. 

Bloomed for Pelayo's bliss, — 
Type of her angel mother fair, 

His Zillah's loveliness ; — 
How yet a son, to him and Spain, 

Favila bearing name. 
Arose, as blessing, still again. 

To fill love's hallowed flame. 

How Ormasinde, his bud of light. 

To young Alphonse he gave. 
In maiden beauty freshly bright. 

As bride for valor brave ; — 
Might sing we of their joyous life, — 

Pelayo's,— Zillah's fair,— 
In peaceful bliss, from battle-strife. 

Of perfect love to share ; — 

18* 



4:18 PEL A YO. 

And how Pelayo reigned long 

Oviedo's, Leon's king ! 
Their kingdoms vocal with love's song, 

That joyous subjects sing ! 

'No more of sorrow' s-night and woe, — 

No more 'neath yoke of swarthy foe, — 

But reign they o'er a land of light. 

With Love to guide their sceptre bright. 

Love reigns through court, and bower, and hall, 

Love is the monarch over all ; 

And peace, and happiness, and joy. 

Fill hearts and land, free from alloy. 

Joy sparkles e'er throughout the court, 

Peace smiles o'er cot and vale. 
While mandolin and merry-sport 

Resound through bower and dale ; 
And tinkling sound of light guitar 
Arises with the evening star, 
When happy couples, joyous met. 
Keep time to merry castanet ; — 
And tales of ardent love are told 
Beneath the chestnut-branches old. 
And vows are breathed of tenderness. 
As seal of promised happiness ; 
And all is joy, and all is love. 
From earth below to Heaven above, — 



P E L A Y O . 419 

Each one contented with his lot, — 
And Spain, of lands, the Eden-spot ! 
Whence Lucifer and minions cast, — 
The Foe and all of darkness past, — 
While Heaven's smiles, full over all. 
In Glory's radiance brightly fall! 

Ay, through the land the Cross doth rise 
In gleaming triumph toward the skies ! 
While crescent's form no more is seen, 
Save in the skies at starry e'en ; 
And bright all convent-halls again 
With daughters beauteous of Spain, 
Who now may bend to God on High, 
Nor prostrate fall at Imaun's cry. 

And scarce a league from Xeres' plain, 

That erst brave Christian-blood did stain, 

Where Guadalete's winding stream 

Doth through her valley sparkhng gleam, 

A Monastery, bold doth rise, 

In stately grandeur, toward the skies. 

Before the " Hills," where Roderick fell, 

As monument, his fate to tell. 

A trellised path-way, rich with grapes, 

Shaded from simbeam, entrance makes 



420 P E L A Y O . 

Unto her grounds, there teeming fair 
With pomegranate, and fruitage rare, 
Vineyards, and groves of fig and lime, 
All blessings Heaven gives that clime. 
ISTear Medina-Sidonia's rise, 
This " Cartuja " * thus calmly lies, — 
Backed by Sierra's lofty lands, 
The Carthusian convent stands, — 
Imposing in its magnitude, — 
Whose walls and turrets, distant viewed, 
Seem rather town, or palace grand. 
Than home of grave anchorite band ; — 
But such it is, — and discipline 
Beyond all known, is here within. 
This Cartiija's huge, sombre wall 
Hangs o'er each monk as funeral pall, — 
From worldly ties, its joys and care, 
There closing sternly, and for e'er, — 
Their fixed, unalterable doom, 
Immured within that mighty tomb. 
No intercourse, no speech have they, 
But vigils keep by night and day, — 
And solitary, fasting pray. 
Thus on their silent. Heavenly-way ! — 
Their Avealth relieving poverty, 
And all of care and misery ; — 

* Monastery. 



P E L A Y O . 421 

The weight of age — the orphan youth — 
Cheering, and teaching words of truth — 
Through bounty kind : — the curtained-world, 
Back to their vision ne'er unfurled. 
The simplest food, their only fare. 
Through grated doors receive they there, — 
Coarse flannel robes, — rude beds of straw, — 
And — stem, unpleasurable law — 
IsTo monk the labor e'en may save 
Of digging for himself his grave. 
Wherein doth fall his mortal whole, 
When seeks his spirit brighter goal. 

I'd tell how when years nineteen passed 

Of blissful, glorious reign. 
That Royal form, in death at last. 

With pomp was sadly lain 
In Saint Eulalia's regal tomb 

At Valencia old, — 
To rest within her vaulted gloom. 

Our King of Leon, bold ; — 
How, they do say, that when his soul 

From mortal thrall took flight 
Unto the spirit's blessed goal 

Of endless joys delight, 
That all empyrean Heavens rang 

With sweet celestial strain 



422 P E L A Y O . 

From Angel hosts, who fondly sang 

One Welcome, glad refrain ! 
Through ether clear the chorus floats, 
Till space is fiUed with joyous notes 
Of praise unto the Just and Brave — 
The righteous one, who Cross doth save 
From infidel, blasphemous foe. 
That fain would lay Christ's symbol low ! — 
And these the holy words, all clear. 
From Angels borne to mortal ear ! 

" Ecce quomodo tolUtur Justus^ 
Et nemo considerat ahlatus^ 
Et a facie iniquitatis 
Et erit in Pace memoria eius.^'* 
Behold ! how the Just our Lord taketh to-day, 
And no man considers why taken away ! — 
From Iniquity's face doth he soar to the Blest ! 
While in Peace shall his memory evermore rest ! 

Of Spain's deep grief, still speak we might, — 

And of her smiles again 
When crowned Pelayo's bud of light, — 

His daughter fair, to reign, — 
When Ormasinde as queen arose. 

With Alphonse, to the throne ; — 



P K L A Y O . 423 

And how, as History still shows, 

And to the world is known, 
Favila, to Oviedo's court, 

King, second, did succeed, — 
How sad he fell in hunting-sport. 

To write is little need ; — 
For this, each ancient tome will tell, — 

Each vellum, parchment-scroll, — 
Of " Happy Reign," — and what befell 

Until all reached the Goal. 

But of their present who may speak ? 

"Where dwells each Royal soul ? 
Who now may Regal-diary keep, — 

Unfurl the Spirit-scroll f 

If deeds of Worth, and acts of Love, 

If Purity of heart. 
Be estimate in worlds Above, 

Weighed in the Heavenly mart, — 
As nobleness of mind and soul, 

And Charity, and Truth, 
Illumed their mortal lives the whole, 

Methinks, that in good sooth, 
Our Brave, and Beautiful, and Pure, 

Together dwell fore'er, — 



4:24 P E L A Y O . 

That love like theirs must still endure 
Through endless ages there. 

And we will deem them roving now 

'Mid Heavenly bowers of Light, 
Fairer than grace Asturia's brow — 

Auseva's mountain-height, 
With all their loved, — the Pure and True,- 

The Blest of ages past ! 
Where, if our work we faithful do, 

We^ yet, may dwell at last ! 



And this, my passing, random thought, 

In words of simple rhyme, — 
For grief, as solace, only wrought, — 

To soften grievous time ! 
And, pray you, all good readers dear. 

Scan with a kindly eye 
My birdling, fledged in trembling fear — 

Ne'er thinking far to fly ; — 
Sad woven rhymes, — in days of gloom 

Strung but to stay the tear ! — 
In dream-Hfe to illume my tomb, 

Of buried joys — so drear ! 



Any of the above sent free by mail on receipt of price. 

NEW PUBLICATIONS 

OP 

D. APPLETON & CO., 

4=4:3 and 445 Broad.^^^ay, ISTe^v York. 



Evidence as to Man's Place in 
Nature. 

By Thomas H. Huxley, F. R. S., F. L. S. 1 Vol. 12mo. Cloth. 
Illustrated, $1.25. 

CONTENTS: 
I. On the Natural History of Man-like Apes. 
II. On the Relation of Man to the Lower Animals. 
III. On some Fossil Remains of Man. 

Money. 

By Chas. Moran. 1 Vol. 12mo. Cloth, $1.25. 

"The constantly increasins^ division of labor daily increases the exchanjje of 
commodities and services, in which money plays so important a part. The subject 
of money is, therefore, supposed by the writer to be of sufficient general interest 
to warrant the publication of the present work. If it sh.sll aid in dissipating any 
of the numerous errors and prejudices so long connected with money, and thus 
increase the power of this instrument to further the well-being and progress of 
humanity, the object of the writer will be attained and bis labors amply com- 
pensated." 

The Gentle Skeptic; 

Or, Essays and Conversations of a Country Justice on the Au- 
thenticity and Truthfulness of the Old Testament Records. Edited 
by the Rev. C. Walworth. 1 Vol. 12mo. Cloth, $1.25. 

" This is one of those books that require not onlj' reading but ntudyinff. and yet 
it can be read with interest even by those who never study. It is a bodk rich in 
scholarlv research, masterly in argument, admirable in methodical arrangement." 
~27ie Tablet. 



2 D. APPLETON & GO'S NEW PUBLICATIONS. 

The American Annual Encyclo- 
paedia, 

And Register of Important Events of the year 1862. Embracing 
Political, Civil, Military, and Social Affairs; Public Documents; 
Biography, Statistics, Commerce, Finance, Literature, Science, 
Agriculture, and Mechanical Industry. 1 Vol. 8vo. Cloth, |3. 50; 
Library Leather, $4.00; Half Mor., $4.50; Half Russia, $5.00. 

The favorable reception given to the volume for the precedinpr year, has 
induced us to make special efforts in the preparation of this one. Its contents 
embrace the material and intellectual progress of the year, particularly in this 
country; the important civil and political measures of the Federal and State Gov- 
ernments; an accurate and minute history of the struggles of the great armies and 
their battles, illustrated with maps and plans of action's taken from oflicial copies; 
the debates of the Federal and Confederate Congresses; financial measures of the 
Government, commerce, &c., &c. ; the proceedings in the Confedei ate States to 
maintain the war and establish tlieir government; also, the progress of foreign 
nation ; the developments in the i)hysical sciences; the progress of literature; 
mechanical inventions and improvements, embracing the results of the British 
Industrial Exhibition; the principles involved, and the developments in plating 
ships with iron ; descriptions of the most useful patents; the present statistics of 
the religious denominations; and biographical sketches of the eminent persons 
deceased in 1S62, &c. 

The United States Bank Law: 

An Act to Provide a National Cui-rency, secured by a pledge of 
United States Stocks, and to provide for the circulation and Re- 
demption thereof. Paper covers, 25 cents. 

The Pentateuch and Book of 
Joshua, 

Critically examined. By the Right Rev. John Wm. Colenso, 

Bishop of Natal. 2 Vols., 12mo. $L25 each. 
"Bishop Colenso's books, in which the genuineness and authenticity of 
the earlier portions of the Old Testament are doubted, or, as he expresses 
it, his 'arguments to prove the non-Mosaic and iinhistorical character of the 
Pentateuch,' have created intense interest in England." — Chicago Fost. 

Man's Cry, and God's Gracious 
Answer, 

A Contribution Toward the Defence of the Faith. By Rev. B. 
Franklin. Cloth, crimped, 50 cents. 

" A thouffhtful discussion of theism — or man's need of a God, and what 
kind of a God; and of Christianity— or God's graciou* answer to that need, 
and how it is an answer:'— Congreg(itio7ialist. 



D. APPLETON & GO'S NEW PUBLICATIONS. 



Prof. Huxley's Lectures "On the 
Origin of Species.'' 

1 Vol. 12mo. $1.25. 
I. The Present Condition of Organic Nature. — 2. The Past Con- 
dition of Organic Nature. — 3. The Method by which tlie Causes 
of the Present and Past Conditions of Organic Nature arc to he 
discovered. The Origination of Living Beings. — 4. The Per- 
petuation of Living Beings, Hereditary Transmission and Variation. 
— 5. The Condition of Existence as aflfecting the Perpetuation of 
Living Beings. — 6. A Critical Examination of the Position of Mr. 
Darwin's Work " On the Origin of Species," in relation to the 
complete Theory of the Causes of the Phenomena of Organic 
Nature. 
" Readers who cnnnot accept Mr. Darwin's doctrines and conchisions Avill still 
be dohghted witli these lectures, since they embody so much curious informa- 
tion and so many important princii)los of biological science, expressed so clearly 
as to render the book, even to readers possessing scarcely any previous knowl- 
edge of the subject, not only intelligible but more interestiiig than any romance." 
— Wddo7i's Jieginter 



Lectures on the Symbohc Char- 
acter of the Scriptures. 

By Rev. Abiel Silver, Minister of the New Jerusalem Church. 
1 Vol., 12mo. 286 pages. |1.25. 

These lectures, delivered to a mixed congregation during the past winter, 
are now given to the public. 

"The author assures the reader, who has not looked into the spiritual sense 
of the Holy Word, that if he has a desire to do so, and will study the science of 
correspondences, and read these simple illustrations of the sacred Scriptures, 
witii a sincere desire to become acquainted with the Word of Go<l that he may 
the better know his Heavenly Father, his own soul, and the true way of life, 
that he may walk in it, the Lord will open to his mind a new field of thought 
and lead him to a fountain of heavenly wisdom which he will prize as more valu- 
able than all things else; for he will find therein the true life of Heaven." 

Extract from Preface. 

The JN'ew and Complete Tax- 
payer's Manual, 

Containing the Direct and Excise Taxes ; with the Recent Amend- 
ments of Congress, and the Decisions of the Commissioner. 
Also, complete Marginal References, and an analytical index, 
showing all the Items of Taxation, the Mode of Proceeding, and 
the Duties of the Officers, with an Explanatory Preface. 1 Vol. 
8vo, 184 pages. Paper covers, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents. 
An indispensable book for every citizen. 



4 D. APPLETON & GO'S NEW PUBLICATIONS. 

The Crisis. 

1 Vol., 8vo. Paper covers, 95 pages, 50 cents. 



Madge ; 



Or, Night and Morning, By H. G. B. 1 Vol., 12mo. $1.25. 
From the Congregntionalist. 
"It contains the story of a young girl 'bound out,' as the custom is iu the 
New England villages. Her Northern mistress was a harsh, seliish and unfeel- 
ing woman, and the ' bound girl's' cliaracter is pleasantly and interestingly por- 
trayed, as it becomes moulded and hewn out by the hard circumstances of her 
lot, till she becomes 'purified by sutfering,' a perfect woman." 

The IS'ew American Cyclopaedia. 

Edited by George Ripley and Charles A. Dana. Now com- 
plete, in 16 vols. 8vo, double columns, 750 pages eacb. Cloth, 
$3.50 ; Sheep, -^4 ; Half Mor., $4.50 ; Half Russia, f;5 per volume. 

The leading claims to public consideration which the New American Cyclo- 
pcedia possesses nia}^ be thus briefly stated : 

"•1. It surpasses all other similar works in the fulness and ability of the 
articles relating to the United States. 

"2. No other work contains so many reliable biographies of the leading 
men of this and other nations. In this respect it is far superior even to the 
more bulky Encyclopu'dia Britannica. 

"8. The best minds of this country have been employed in enriching its 
pages with the latest data, and the most recent discoveries'in every branch of 
manufactures, mechanics, and general science. 

"4. It is a library in itself, where every topic is treated, and Avhere informa- 
tion can be gleaned which will enable a student, if he is so disposed, to consult 
other authorities, thus affording him an invaluable key to knowledge. 

" 5. It is neatly printed with readable type on good paper, and contains a 
most copious index. 

"6. It is the only work which gives anything approaching correct descrip- ' 
tions of cities and towns of America, or embraces reliable statistics showing the 
Avouderful growth of all sections." 

Two Pictures ; 

Or, What We Think of Ourselves, and What the World Thinks 

of Us. By Maria J. McIntosh, author of " Two Lives," 

<' Chai-ms and Countercharms," etc. 1 vol., 12mo., 476 pages. 

$1.50. 

" The ])revious works of Miss Mcintosh have been popular in the best sense 

of the word The simple beauty of her narratives, combining pure sentiment 

with high principle, and noble views of life and its duties, ought to win for them 

a hearing at every fireside iu our land. The lapse of time since we have had any 

wt«-k of fiction from her pen, has only served to increase her power." 

A Ghmpse of the World. 

By Miss Sewell, author of "Amy Herbert," etc. 1 vol., 12mo. 

Ciotb, .§1.25. 
"Of the authoress's style and language it would be superfluous to speak. 
The simplicity of a refined nature, the ease of a skilled writer, and the correct- 
ness of an industrious one, are conspicuous in every page. There is no straining 
at effect, no distortion of English palmed off as originality, no distrust of native 
vigor evinced by a recourse to artificial." — 77ie Press, 



D. APPLETON & GO'S NEW PUBLICATIONS. 



The History of Civilization in 
England. 

By Henry Thomas Bockle. — 2 vols. 8vo. Cloth, $6. 

■Whoever inisses reading this book, will miss rending what is, in vnrioiis 
I respects, to tho best of our judgment and experience, the most rcniarkubio book 
i of liioday — one, indeed, that no tliougbtful, inquiring mind would miss reading 
for a good deal. Let the reader bo as adverse as he may to the writer's 
philosophy, let him bo as devoted to the obstructive as Mr. Buckle is to the prog- 
ress party, let him be as orthodox in church creed as the other is heterodox, 
as dogmatic as his author is skeptical — let him, in short, find his prejudices 
shocked at every turn of the argument, and all his prepossessions whistled down 
the wind — still there is so much in this extraordinary volume to stimulate 
reflection, and excite to inquiry, and provoke to earnest investigation, perhaps 
(to this or that reader) on a track hitherto untrodden, and across the virgin ?oil 
of untiUed fields, fresh woods and pastures new — that we may fairly defy the 
most hostile spirit, the most mistrustful and least sympathetic, to read it through 
without being ulud of having done so, or, having begun it, or even glanced at 
almost any one of its 354 pages, to pass it away unread.— We«« Monthly (^London) 
Magazine 

History of the Romans under 
the Empire. 

By Cflvrles Merivale, B.D., late Fellow of St. John's College. 
7 Vols, small 8vo. Handsomely printed on tinted paper. Price, 
$2 per Vol. (Nearly ready.) 

CONTENTS : 

Vols. I and II.— Comprising the History to the Fall of Julius 
Ccesar. 

.Vol. III. — ^To the Establishment of the Monarchy by Augustus. 
Vols. IV. and v.— From Augustus to Claudius, b.c. 27 to A.n. 54. 
Vol. VI.— From the Reign of Nero, a. d. 54, to the Fall of 
I Jerusalem, a.d. 70. 

I Vol. VII.— From the Destruction of Jerusalem, a.d. 70, to the 

I Death of M. Aurelius. 

! Thi3 valuable work terminates at the point where the narrative of Gibbon 

j commences. 

j .... "When we enter on a more searching criticism of the two writers, 

it must be admitted that Merivale has as firm a grasp of his subject as Gibbon, 

I and that his work is characterized by a greater freedom from prejudice, and 
a sounder philosophy. 

....'' This history must always stand as a splendid monument of his 

I learning, his candor, and his vigorous grasp of intellect. Though he is in s.omG 

I respects inferior to Macaulay and Grote, he must still be cla.-^sed with them as 

( one of the second great triumvirate of English historians."— jVo/-f/t Americari 

Review. April, 1663. 



6 D. APPLETON & GO'S NEW PUBLICATIONS. 

Ihe Iron Manufacture of Great 

Britain^ 

Theoretically and Practically considered. Including descriptive 
details of the Ores, Fuels, and Fluxes employed, the Preliminary 
Operation of Calcination, the Blast, Refining, and Puddling Fur- 
naces, Engines and Machinery, and the various Processes in 
Union, &c. By W. Truran, C. E. Second Edition. Revised 
from the Manuscript of the late Mr. Trurax. By J. Arthur 
Phillips, author of " A Manual of Metallurgy ; Records of Min- 
ing," etc., and Wm. H. Dorman, C. £. 1 vol., 8vo. Illustrated 
with 84 Plates. Price, §10. 



What to Eat and How to Cook Itj 

Containing over One Thousand Receipts, Systematically and 
Practically Arranged, to enable the Housekeeper to prepare the 
most Difficult or Simple dishes in the best manner. By Pierrk 
Blot, late Editor of the Almanach Gastronomique, of Paris, 
and other Gastronomical Works. 1 vol., 12mo. Cloth. §1. 

'• A dtv^ideratam long looked for, lias been that of a Cook-Ri)nk, wliicli, while 
jKis-TSsing the excellencies of French cooking, will yet coinbino the simpler and 
ciitaper ilislies of a moderate household. The anthor has luid opiiortiinities of 
ohsi rvation rarely equalled, and beitic a resident of the Uniied States is familiar 
with the necessities of American lioiues." 



Album for Postage and other 
Stamps ; 

American and Foreign. 1 vol., small 4to. Cloth, § . French 
JMoi-occo, $ . Morocco, extra, $ . 

"Tiie collecting of Postage Stamps has become a matter of such general inter- 
est, tliat it is believed the publiiation of an Album, attording facilities fortlieir 
arrangement and preservation, in a convenient and elegant form, will be warmly 
welcomed by the community. It has been sought in the volume here oiTered to 
the public, to combine instruction with amusement, and to render the collection 
valuable in itself, doubly valuable as the nucleus of a large amount of important 
geographical and statistical information."— ^k-^/ac^/rowt Pre/ace. 



Critical History of Free Thought^ 

In Reference to the Christian Religion. Eight Barapton Lec- 
tures, preached before the University of Oxford, in the year 18G2. 
By Ada.m Storey Farrar, M. A. 1 vol., l2mo. Cloth, $2. 

"The Iland-Book of German Theology, contained in this volume, should there- 
fore be read by every clergyman, both for its own merits, nud for the immense 
importance of "the subject. There is not a more iKemorable chai)ter in modern 
mental history than that which records the vast, continuous, and co-operative 
•tfort of the German Schools to understand and appreciate Christianity.'' 



D. APPLETON & GO'S NEW PUBLICATIOXS. 7 

A Supplement to lire's Diction- 
ary, 

OF AUTS, MANUFACTURES, AND MIXES 

Containinff a clear exposition of their Principles and Practice. 
From the last edition, edited by Robert Hunt, F. R. S., F. S. S., 
assisted by numerous contributors, eminent in Science and fami- 
liar Avilh Manufactures. Illustrated with 700 Engravings in 
Avood. 1 vol., 8vo. Cloth, ^5. Sheep, §;G. 

The Complete Work, with Supplement. 3 vols., 8vo. Cloth, 
812. Sheep, $15. 

"This volump ofllRE's Dictionary of Arts, Mannfactiires and Mines, contains 
the ftddilional knowledge whicii has accumulated within the past ten yenr«. Not 
a year has passed but that .«onie important improvements in the Arts and Sciences 
have taken place, all of which form an important increase to knowledge, wliich 
cannot well be dispensed with by those who are engaged in the various pursuits 
in wliich they arc employed. 



Principles of Political Economy, 

With some of their Applications to Social Philosophy. By John 
Stuart Mill. 2 vols., 8vo. $ (Nearly ready.) 

" His varied knowledsre, and his truly Catholic sf)irit peculiarly fitted him for 
the task ; and the great characteristic excellency of his work is the combination, 
in every instance, of a simple, yet severely accurate exposition of the abstract 
doctrine (the pure political economy), with an inquiry into the modifications to 
which the doctrine is subject, when applied to any given and really existing 
condition of things. The absence of any such modifying explanation, in many 
celebrated treatises on political economy, has, in no small degree, contributed 
to create doubt and distrust respecting the science itselV—Fra&ej-'a JIagasine. 



The l^Tatural Laws of Husbandry, 

By Justus Von Liebig. Edited by John Blyth, M.D., Pro'"essor 
of Queen's College, Cork. 1 vol., 12mo. 387 pages. $1.50. 

"In the following work Baron Liebig has given to the public bis mature views 
on agriculture, after sixteen years of experiment and reflection. The fimdamental 
basisof the work is still the so-called mineral theory, which holds that the food 
of plants is of inorganic nature, and that every one of the elements of food must I 
be present in a soil for the proper growth of a plant. The discovery of the re- : 
inarkable power of absorption possessed by arable soil, has necessarily led to a 
modification of the views regarding the mode in which plants take up their food 
from the soil. As the food of plants cannot exist for any length of time in solution 
in soils, it is clear that there cannot he a circulation of such solution towards the 
roots, but the latter must go in search of food: hence the great importance of 
studying the ramifications, of the roots of plants, and the mode of growth of the 
difierent classes of plants cultivated by m&n.^''— Extract from Pre/ace. 



D. APPLETON & CO.'S PUBLICATIONS. 

MARY COWDEN CLARKE'S EDITION 

or 

Shakespeare. 

A NEW AND BEAUTIFUL EDITION. 

WITH 

A SCRUPULOUS REVISION OF THE TEXT 

1 vol., Svo. With Fifty Jllmtrations. 
Half Bound, $6; Half Calf, extra, $7 50; Morocco, extra, $10. 

THE SAME, 

In Two Volumes, beautifully Leaded. 
Half Bound, $8; Half Calf, extra, $10; Morocco, extra, $15. 



Instead of the notes and comments which ordinarily accompany the text,. 
Interfering with the comfort of current perusal,— a compendious glossary of 
words and phrases, requiring explanation for those unconversant with Eliza- 
bethan literature, is annexed; with references to respective acts and scenes; 
thus offering ready elucidation Mhen needed,— and only when needed. 

A biographical and critical preface condenses into small space the historical 
account of the Poet and his productions; whereto is appended a chronological 
table of Shakespeare's life, which enables the reader at one view to see all the 
authentic facts (in the order of their yearly succession) connected with our 
Dramatist's career, from bitth to death. 

A minor point— but one conducing to prompt comprehension of dramatic 
purpose while reading— is the uniform placing of the stage direction (" Aside") 
before, instead of after the speech to be so spoken, as hitherto has been the mod* 
in printing Shakespeare's plays. 

A leading critic once said : 

"Burn the Yarlorum edition. Take the first folio so far as it serves. Re- 
move printers' errors by collation of the various Quartos. Amend corrupt lines 
by a severe and jealous adoption of emendations. Print the text without notes, 
and leave the rest to Shakespeare. Such is our advice to that imaginary future 
editor of the works who shall fall to his task in a proper spirit, thinking nothing 
of himself, much for the public, and most of all for the Poet."— Athfn^jjm, iNo, 
1577. 

Much in accordance with the above judicious counsel has the present editioa 

bettu •onducted. 






LIBRARY OF 



CONGRESS 





007 1971065^ 



